ESTEVAN -
Charges have been stayed in the case of Estevan's Joshua Regis LeBlanc, nearly two years after he was arrested.
Charges were stayed on April 16 against LeBlanc, who had been facing one count each of sexual assault and sexual exploitation. The case was scheduled to go to trial before a judge in Estevan Court of King's Bench in October.
"Mr. LeBlanc has always maintained that the allegations against him were untrue and he is pleased that the Crown has directed a stay of proceedings to the charges against him," stated an email from his legal counsel Darren Kraushaar. "He is looking forward to moving on and appreciates the support of family and friends who have stood by him throughout this process."
Crown prosecutor Bryan Carter said they are required to evaluate charges throughout all stages of a criminal prosecution to determine whether the charges continue to meet the necessary standard. He added this involves considering a two-part test: is there a reasonable likelihood of conviction, and is it in the public interest to proceed.
"In Mr. LeBlanc's case, the Crown determined that there was no reasonable likelihood of conviction," Carter wrote. "Accordingly, it was my duty to terminate the prosecution by entering a stay of proceedings."
Estevan Police Service Deputy Chief Warren Morrical said the EPS is aware that the charges against LeBlanc have been stayed, but he could not provide any additional comments at this time.
LeBlanc was arrested by the Estevan Police Service in May 2022. At the time, he was charged with sexual assault, sexual exploitation and one count of luring a child under the age of 18 – a charge that he was not standing trial for.
He has had numerous court appearances, and a preliminary hearing was held in August 2023. At that time, the case was moved from Estevan Provincial Court to Court of King's Bench.
The trial date was scheduled during a court appearance in January.
A stay of proceedings means the charges are effectively put on hold. The charges can still be brought back within one year.
