White powder envelope delivered to lawyer of accused suspicious package mailer

The lawyer for a woman accused of sending multiple suspicious packages received an envelope containing a white substance Thursday morning.

Brian Pfefferle confirmed to 650 CKOM the envelope was delivered to him at his law office at 311 21st Street East.

The criminal lawyer said he immediately contacted police when he came in contact with the package. Emergency crews responded around 9 a.m.

“We were able to keep the package isolated and they obtained it and confirmed there was nothing in there that would cause a health concern,” Pfefferle said.

The lawyer was quarantined and prevented from attending court Thursday morning. He said while it was an inconvenience, he was grateful for the response from emergency personnel.

Pfefferle is currently representing 31-year-old Alexa Emerson, also known as Amanda Totcheck, who is facing charges for her alleged involvement in a spree of suspicious package deliveries on Nov. 29, 2016.

Emerson has pleaded not guilty to all counts. She was released on bail Jan. 20 with strict conditions to live in Alberta and not be in Saskatoon except for court. Emerson’s trial is scheduled to start May 13.

Pfefferle told 650 CKOM he doesn’t believe his client sent the envelope delivered to his office.

“I plan to remain her counsel. I’m not concerned remaining as her counsel,” he affirmed.

Police have not established a link between Emerson and Thursday’s incident.

The lawyer said he is optimistic police will get to the bottom of who is behind the outbreak of white powder scares.

“Hopefully they will catch the perpetrator. I think everybody in this city is on high alert right now with what has been going on,” he said.

This marks the eleventh white powder incident since November 2016.