A man accused of modifying and trafficking weapons for street gangs has elected to be tried by judge alone.
A pretrial case management was held for 29-year-old Brett Karol, Friday in Saskatoon Court of Queen’s Bench but the matter was adjourned and a trial date has yet to be set.
A three-day preliminary hearing was held in Saskatoon Provincial Court in late April and the judge determined there was enough evidence for Karol to stand trial.
Karol was arrested in April 2020 after Saskatoon Police responded to a disturbance in the 2400 block of Arlington Avenue for reports that a man was banging on windows and doors of a home.
When police arrived they found Karol in a vehicle nearby and stopped his vehicle where they found three firearms, one of which was loaded. They also found cocaine, methamphetamine and cash.
The Saskatoon Police Guns and Gangs Unit became involved in the investigation and searched a residence in the 1000 block of Avenue H North where they found a sawed-off rifle, rifle parts that were broken down, and a money counter. Police then searched a storage unit in the 3900 block of Wanuskewin Road and found five firearms, ammunition and modified firearm parts. Saskatoon Police say the weapons were acquired, modified and trafficked for use by members of street gangs in Saskatoon.
Corey Amber Paddy, 26, was also arrested. She was released from custody last year and failed to appear in court.
