Sex workers, a rural property and an alleged serial rapist
Jan 18, 2024
20:15
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This episode of a podcast discusses the trial of Richard Mantha, accused of sexually assaulting sex trade workers in Calgary. It explores the experiences of the victims, the relationship between the accused and his victims, and the similarities to Canada's notorious serial killer. The episode also delves into the accused's request for a trial in French and the planned trial start date.
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Quick takeaways
Richard Mantha, also known as Pancho, is facing charges related to sexually assaulting vulnerable sex trade workers in Calgary.
The investigation into Manta's alleged crimes involved an extensive search of his rented rural property, collecting over a thousand pieces of evidence.
Deep dives
Accused Charged with Sexually Assaulting Vulnerable Sex Trade Workers
Richard Manta, also known as Pancho, is facing charges related to sexually assaulting vulnerable sex trade workers in Calgary. The victims, who frequented the forest lawn stroll, a known area for sex trade workers, allegedly encountered Manta, who used the area as a hunting ground. The allegations include drugging, raping, kidnapping, and assaulting the victims, some of whom have shared their experiences with the police. The charges against Manta have been increasing as more women come forward with similar stories, detailing the methods he allegedly used to manipulate and attack them.
Advocacy Groups Highlight Violence and Stigma Faced by Sex Workers
Shift, an advocacy group dedicated to supporting sex workers in Calgary, emphasized that Manta's case is just the tip of the iceberg, shedding light on the violence and stigma faced by sex workers. The organization applauded the courage of the victims who came forward to speak to the police and highlighted the need for the community to understand the challenges these women face. The police also commended the victims for their bravery and thanked them for sharing their stories. The case has sparked conversations about building better relationships between law enforcement and sex workers.
Detailed Investigation and Extensive Property Search
The investigation into Manta's alleged crimes involved an extensive five-day search of his rented rural property, located 30 minutes east of Calgary. Police collected over a thousand pieces of evidence, including bodily fluid DNA samples, to support the charges. The search implicated quonset huts and a fifth wheel trailer on the property, where victims claim to have been taken and assaulted. The case draws comparisons to the notorious Robert Picton case in British Columbia, with similarities including vulnerable sex trade workers as victims and the unsettling presence of a pig mask. The accused, Richard Manta, faces numerous charges related to sexual assault, with the case expected to proceed with multiple trials.
The trial of Richard Mantha, 59, is set to begin this week in Calgary. Mantha is charged with more than two dozen counts related to seven women, including drugging, kidnapping, and sexually assaulting his alleged victims.
In this episode, CBC Calgary reporter Meghan Grant walks us through the troubling case, and the allegations levelled against Mantha by women working in the sex trade.
For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts
Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
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