Regina woman convicted of embezzling millions of dollars granted appeal, new trial ordered
A Regina woman who was convicted in 2019 for embezzling millions of dollars has been granted her appeal and a new trial has been ordered.
In 2014, Alena Marie Pastuch was charged with fraud and money laundering for her role as the central player in an investment scheme beginning in 2006, which stole $5,523,507 from investors.
Following a lengthy trial, which began in October of 2018, Pastuch was found guilty of one count of fraud exceeding $5,000 in June 2019.
Documents presented at her trial included scans of signed cheques from investors for amounts anywhere between $1,000 and $60,000 each, some written out to several companies the Crown accused Pastuch of running money through.
Pastuch, who represented herself in one of the largest fraud cases in Saskatchewan’s history, was sentenced to seven years in prison and was ordered to pay restitution to all of the victims of the fraud.
Pastuch filed her appeal one week after being sentenced, claiming a miscarriage of justice and error in fact and law.
More specifically, the Court of Appeal Reserved Decision released on Oct. 5, 2022, states that Pastuch alleged that a trial judge denied her application for a court-appointed counsel to replace her lawyer who withdrew for ethical reasons.
“The decision denying that application was delivered on September 17, 2018 [Ruling]. As a result of that denial, Ms. Pastuch was obliged to represent herself in a complex trial that took 87 juridical days and in which the Crown called 78 witnesses,” the document read.
In addition, Pastuch had listed 30 grounds for her appeal, claiming the Crown improperly expressed opinions and misstated evidence used to convict her during the case.
A date has not been set for the new trial.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.