Matti Pulkkinen’s trial was scheduled to begin Wednesday in Sault Ste. Maria courthouse. After an issue arose over scheduling, Ontario Court Justice Robert Villeneuve closed court to give lawyers a chance to discuss the matter. When court resumed about two hours later, federal prosecutor Ben Pritchard asked for a stay of proceedings. He told the judge that the request was based on the rehabilitative measures taken by Pulkkinen and the passage of time. Defense attorney Anthony Orazietti said he had nothing to add. Noting that the stay is a Crown prerogative, Villeneuve said the charges remain for now. Pulkkinen was charged in November 2020 following a city police investigation into unknown drugs A police press release said officers believed the defendant had stolen approximately $1,254 worth of medication from his employer. The offenses allegedly occurred between 4 November 2019 and 10 August 2020. The then 40-year-old man was charged with theft under $5,000, two counts of trafficking and two counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to traffic.
