The Crown Attorney Lynne Robinson is presenting a parade of
disgruntled investors who bought pigeons in the jury trial of Arlan Galbraith
who is accused of fraud in the way he operated Pigeon King International of
Waterloo.
One day this week is typical.
John Guetter of Woodstock said he lost $150,000 and ended up
eating a lot of squab (pigeon meat) after Galbraith declared bankruptcy in June
of 2008.
Clarence Murray of Saskatchewan said he lost $50,000 and
that he invested in breeding pairs of pigeons because Galbraith said he had
sales deals to Saudi Arabia and China.
Mary Mackay of Embro said she and her husband signed three
contracts with Pigeon King International and ended up losing $250,000.
Lynn Strenzke and her husband, who farm near Maryhill, were
late investors and were told the market would be for squab. She said they lost
more than $190,000.
Galbraith has been blaming critics’ “smear campaign” for
ruining the company.
He has been defending himself, despite repeated and strong
advice from the judge who presided at the preliminary hearing that he needs a
lawyer.
The jury trial is expected to last until Christmas.
