Sentencing in the retrial of a Regina woman involved in a large financial fraud has been delayed until late April. Alena Marie Pastuch was charged in the theft of over $5 million in an investment scheme dating back to 2006. After being granted a retrial in 2022, Pastuch pled guilty in September of 2024, a joint submission from the Crown and defence was presented. Sentencing set to begin on March 7, but was further adjourned to March 10. On Monday, Pastuch appeared virtually in court due to “health issues.” Although plans for sentencing were expected, her defence lawyer requested to be removed from the case due to the “ethical position” he finds himself in. As per a request from her interim lawyer, an additional three weeks were provided to allow Pastuch to find alternative legal representation. The delay is also meant to allow Pastuch time to provide medical documents that verify her current medical conditions. The defence stated that she is in a “relapse state.” Before the judge ruled in favour of the adjournment, the Crown argued that Pastuch has a history of making medical requests – alleging they were being used as a “delay tactic” in the now years long trial. Pastuch is expected to appear in court on April 22 – and is required to file any applications or documents by March 28.
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