Preliminary hearing dates have been set for Chief Duane Antoine and several others accused in the wide-ranging Poundmaker First Nation treaty land entitlement fraud case.
Eight of the nine accused individuals will see their preliminary hearing go ahead in April, 2012 on charges of fraud, theft and breach of trust regarding treaty land entitlement money set aside for land purchases for the reserve. In addition to Chief Antoine, the individuals facing charges include former chief Ted Antoine, Norman Antoine, Colin Favel, Bryan Tootoosis, Irene Tootoosis, Hickson Weenie and Burton Baptiste.
The preliminary hearing dates have been set for April 17, 18, 19, 23, 24 and 26, all in provincial court in North Battleford.
The dates were selected Monday morning before Judge David Kaiser in North Battleford provincial court. Appearing on behalf of Duane and Ted Antoine was defence lawyer Ivan Frank who appeared in person. The other six accused individuals were represented by Andrea Rohrke who appeared by telephone. Glen Jacques appeared for the Crown.
Also facing charges of fraud, theft and breach of trust in the case is Victoria McMillan. She appeared representing herself Monday after her application for a court-appointed counsel was turned down in provincial court Friday.
McMillan has not yet formally made an election in the case and has requested more time to consider her options.
The other eight accused had previously opted to be tried by Queen's Bench judge alone, but those plans could change if McMillan elects to be tried by a judge and jury.
Lawyers = agreed to adjourn to Oct.31 as their next court date in the case.
