Saskatoon Man Ordered to Secure Legal Representation for GPS Tracking Case
A provincial court judge has issued a firm directive to a Saskatoon man facing more than 100 criminal charges related to allegedly planting GPS tracking devices on multiple vehicles. Marty Glenn Schira, 47, must hire a lawyer by his next scheduled court appearance on March 19, or face significant legal consequences.
Judge's Ultimatum and Court Proceedings
During a Thursday afternoon hearing at Saskatoon Provincial Court, Judge Bruce Bauer delivered a clear message to Schira regarding his legal representation. The court learned that Schira had terminated his previous attorney on December 17 and had not yet secured replacement counsel despite having the financial means to do so.
"You'll have to enter election on your own or court will impose one," Bauer stated, referring to the potential requirement for Schira to elect between a judge-alone trial or a trial by judge and jury at Saskatoon Court of King's Bench if he fails to obtain legal representation by the March deadline.
When questioned about the delay in hiring new counsel, Schira explained to the judge that he was attempting to find a lawyer he could trust. This explanation came as the Crown prosecutor expressed growing frustration with the prolonged proceedings.
Extensive Charges and Investigation Details
The charges against Schira stem from allegations that he concealed GPS tracking devices on numerous vehicles in Saskatoon between August 2020 and his arrest in January 2025. The investigation began after an individual discovered two such devices concealed beneath their truck bumper, prompting further examination that revealed 24 additional complainants.
Court documents indicate that some of the alleged victims have been secretly followed since as early as August 2020, with the tracking devices enabling extensive surveillance of their movements and activities throughout the city.
Previous Criminal History and Current Legal Status
Schira brings a significant criminal background to the current proceedings. In 2004, he was convicted in Alberta for abducting a woman at gunpoint and sexually assaulting her in his Calgary apartment, resulting in a 13-year prison sentence.
Prosecutor Christy Pannell emphasized that "the Crown is getting a little frustrated at this point" with the delays in moving the case forward. The prosecution has indicated readiness to proceed with the substantial number of charges once proper legal representation is established for the accused.
The case has been adjourned until March 19, when Schira must appear with legal counsel or face the court's imposition of trial format decisions. The extensive nature of the charges, combined with the defendant's criminal history, suggests complex legal proceedings ahead as the justice system addresses allegations of systematic vehicle tracking and surveillance in Saskatoon.
