Suspect in kidnapping, drugging and sexual assault of sex workers appears in court

A man accused of targeting women in Calgary’s sex trade is to be back before a judge Friday as his case makes its way through the courts.

Richard Robert Mantha, who is 59, faces 13 charges including kidnapping, forcible confinement, sexual assault with a weapon and sexual assault causing bodily harm.

Police cordoned off a rural property east of Calgary looking for evidence last week after at least three sex workers were drugged and physically and sexually assaulted.

Investigators also brought in cadaver dogs, but no bodies were found.

Mantha appeared in court via video today and had his case adjourned until Friday.

One of the assaults allegedly involved a firearm, another a knife and the third choking, strangling or suffocating.

Mantha wore a blue jail jumpsuit as he appeared by video Wednesday. His lawyer, Kim Arial, asked for the matter be adjourned until Friday.

2:07 Calgary man charged with crimes against sex workers

She expressed concern her client was having difficulty accessing phones at the Calgary Remand Centre, which made it difficult to plan ahead and discuss options for bail.

Mantha addressed the judge as his case ended.

“Thank you ma’am. Bless you.”

Calgary police are still investigating the case and are urging any other potential victims to come forward.

Calgary police Chief Mark Neufeld was asked at a news conference Wednesday whether other people could have been operating out of the rural property. He said investigators are keeping an open mind.

“Based on what we know now, there could be other people on the property, hence the reason for the search,” Neufeld said.

“Hence for the call out as well for people to come forward if they’ve had any dealings or know anything about that particular situation.

“We always have to be mindful that there could be others as well.”

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