THUNDER BAY – After nearly three weeks, all evidence in the extortion trial against former Thunder Bay mayor Keith Hobbs, Marisa Hobbs, and local resident Mary Voss has been called.
The trial began on Nov. 18, 2019 and on Thursday both the Crown and defense counsel told Justice Fletcher Dawson that no further evidence will be called.
Keith and Marisa Hobbs and Voss were charged with extortion in 2017, with the allegations stating they attempted to coerce an alleged victim into purchasing a house for Voss with threats of handing incriminating evidence over to police.
On Thursday, Crown attorney Peter Keen concluded his cross-examination of Keith Hobbs, who was called to testify in his own defense on Wednesday.
Brian Greenspan, who is representing Keith and Marisa Hobbs, did not have any questions for re-examination.
George Joseph, who is representing Voss, called one witness to testify who cannot be identified due to a publication ban.
The witness recalled the behavior of the alleged victim, which was described as ‘disgusting.’
The witness also described being forced to write a will on the victim’s behalf and the signing of an agreement in November 2016 stating the victim would purchase a $429,000 house for Voss and would become null and void if anyone went to police with any evidence.
The Crown called a total of 11 witnesses throughout the trial, including the alleged victim, as well as showing videotaped statements with Det. Insp. Martin Graham with the Ontario Provincial Police by Keith and Marisa Hobbs and Voss.
A date for closing arguments will be determined Friday morning.
Complete coverage of Hobbs trial:
Day 1: Keith Hobbs trial starts today
Witness testifies of interactions between Hobbs and alleged extortion victim
Day 2: Details of extortion allegations heard at Hobbs trial
Day 3: Videos from USB drive given by Hobbs shown in court
Day 4: Alleged extortion victim calls behaviour in videos horrid and awful
'Pack your toothbrush' Hobbs alleged warned extortion victim
Day 5: Alleged extortion victim trying to ‘buy silence:’ Greenspan
Day 6: Alleged extortion victim believes Voss was ‘swayed’ by Keith and Marisa Hobbs
Witness testifies of agreement signed between alleged extortion victim and accused
Day 7: More details emerge of alleged victim’s state in fall 2016 and the discovery of a will
Day 8: Homeowner testifies of Marisa Hobbs and Voss viewing $429,000 home
‘I have never extorted anyone’ Hobbs says during videotaped statement with OPP
Day 9: ‘We are guilty of being stupid:’ Marisa Hobbs tells police
Day 10: OPP investigator tells Voss ‘the truth will set you free’
Marisa Hobbs ‘won’t take no for an answer:’ Voss
Day 11: Voss believes alleged extortion victim 'set her up'
Day 12: Keith Hobbs testifies in extortion trial
Hobbs questioned about association with alleged extortion victim
Day 13: ‘I have never threatened (the victim):’ Hobbs testifies
