New trial dates to be scheduled for a man charged in connection to a human trafficking case in Lethbridge, February 10, 2023. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Defence lawyer steps down in Lethbridge human trafficking case just days before trial

Feb 10, 2023 | 10:39 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The defence lawyer for a man accused in connection to a human trafficking investigation will no longer serve as his attorney.

In Lethbridge Provincial Court on Friday, February 10, 2023, a voir dire was scheduled for Mohammad Neirabani, 24. A voir dire is a hearing that determines what evidence will be deemed admissible in a trial.

His lawyer, Kristen Lancee, instead informed the court that she does not wish to represent her client anymore.

She says there has been a breakdown in the relationship between the two.

Neirabani was arrested in August 2021. He is charged with two counts each of sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault, as well as one count each of sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching, trafficking persons under 18, and sexual assault – party to an offence with another person.

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Neirabani was scheduled to face a three-day trial from February 22-24, 2023.

The accused will need to find a new lawyer before the trial can be rescheduled. He is being held in custody and is set to return to court later this month.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now