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Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

Child-porn case rocked after lawyer, accused split

By: Mike McIntyre

Posted: 03/2/2013 1:00 AM

A high-profile child-pornography case has been thrown into limbo after a dispute between the accused and his lawyer.

Martin Glazer announced Friday he could no longer represent Darrell Ackman, citing ongoing difficulties between them.

"He knows why," Glazer told the Free Press, without giving details. Ackman, 43, expressed his own frustration about Glazer in court, then announced he is considering representing himself at a potential trial.

That could lead to a difficult and rare situation for the court. A lawyer would have to be appointed to ask questions on Ackman's behalf to prevent him from cross-examining the alleged victims.

Friday's development will likely lead to further delays of the case and opens the door for potential judicial challenges if Ackman acts as his own lawyer. He remains free on bail. No dates for a hearing have been set.

Glazer and Ackman have privately clashed in recent months as the accused insisted on repeatedly speaking about his case and contacting media outlets.

Ackman previously made headlines for provocative videos he posted on YouTube under the name Mr. JetzTV. He also got 130 people in Fort Whyte to sign his nomination papers so he could run in the provincial byelection there last September despite the pending criminal charges. He received 19 votes of the more than 6,500 cast.

Court documents obtained by the Free Press show police began investigating Ackman after learning he was allegedly responsible for "numerous Internet advertisements offering escorts in Winnipeg" involving runaway teen girls who were forced to perform sex acts with men in exchange for cash.

Police seized nude images of at least two teens, which may have been used to promote prostitution under the guise of an escort agency. Ackman allegedly operated from a rented basement suite on Hunterbrook Road.

At least four alleged teen victims have been included in the list of charges. Police have said they are looking for up to eight more teens. Ackman's charges include living off the avails of prostitution, making and possessing child pornography and sexual assault. He's also wanted in Florida on prostitution charges that date back to 2010.

www.mikeoncrime.com

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition March 2, 2013 B3