By Charles Lefebvre

Former broadcaster charged with robbery granted extension on assessment

Jan 18, 2019 | 10:12 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — A former broadcaster and journalism instructor awaiting trial for charges of robbery in Medicine Hat had his current psychiatric assessment extended for one month.

Stephen Vogelsang, 55, appeared in Medicine Hat Court of Queen’s Bench Friday morning for a scheduled arraignment date on robbery charges from 2017.

During his last appearance in December 2017, a forensic psychiatric assessment was granted following a request from his lawyer, Greg White. White is arguing Vogelsang suffers from bipolar disorder, and was suffering from a manic episode at the time the alleged offences occurred.

During Friday’s hearing, White asked for a, extension of the assessment, which a judge granted for February 12.

The court was told Vogelsang’s assessment will be completed by February 12. It will be completed at the Southern Alberta Forensic Psychiatry Centre in Calgary.

Medicine Hat skateboarders humanitarian efforts in Mexico to hit the big screen

16h ago

UPDATED

Steam-powered passenger train passed through Medicine Hat on Friday

Apr 26, 2024

Medicine Hat Public Library Comic Con taking place May 4

Apr 26, 2024

Vogelsang, who was formerly a news director and anchor at what is now CTV Winnipeg, was arrested in October 2017 after allegedly robbing a BMO branch and RBC Branch in Medicine Hat.

He has also been charged in connection with alleged bank robberies in Regina and Saskatoon. He has remained in custody in Regina to deal with those charges, and White told the court Vogelsang is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on the Saskatchewan charges in April.

Vogelsang will be transferred to Alberta and remain in custody while his assessment is ongoing.

His next appearance in Medicine Hat is scheduled for February 15.

Vogelsang has not entered a plea on the charges in Medicine Hat, but has elected to be tried by judge and jury.