Crown abandons appeal of former MLA Derek Fildebrandt's acquittals on threat charges
Now a news website publisher, he was acquitted in November
The Crown has abandoned its appeal of former Alberta MLA Derek Fildebrandt's acquittals on charges of uttering threats.
Fildebrandt was found not guilty in November on four counts of uttering threats against a group of teenage boys.
The Crown filed an appeal, asking a judge to overturn the acquittals and substitute convictions or order a new trial.
Appeal arguments were set to be heard in April.
Fildebrandt's lawyer, Alain Hepner, confirmed to CBC News that he received a letter indicating the Crown has abandoned its appeal.
On April 13, 2024, Fildebrandt believed a group of 13- and 14-year-old boys were stealing or damaging his lawn ornaments. In fact, they were waiting for a friend and planned to walk to a nearby convenience store for sleepover snacks.
He chased the boys through the Calgary neighbourhood in his truck after telling them he protects his property "with a gun."
The judge found Fildebrandt not guilty, ruling the comment about the gun was akin to a "Beware Of Dog" sign.
The judge also noted Fildebrandt did not threaten to shoot his gun at the boys.
Fildebrandt called the situation "a silly incident with teenagers who had an overactive imagination."
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