Criminal charges against a cult leader who took over a former school in a village in southwest Saskatchewan have been dropped by Crown prosecutors.
Upon learning that charges against Romana Didulo, who refers to herself as the “Queen of Canada,” were stayed, Brad Miller, the mayor of Richmound, Sask., expressed his disappointment, stating, “Evil prevails over good.”
Didulo was scheduled to appear in court in Swift Current, but the Crown prosecutors decided to halt the proceedings. The prosecutors explained that for a case to proceed, there must be a reasonable chance of conviction and it must be in the public interest. They determined that based on the evidence, a conviction was unlikely.
The charges against Didulo included failing to comply with an undertaking and intimidating a justice system participant following a police raid on September 3, 2025, at the former school in Richmound. The village residents reported harassment and threats from the cult members during the two years they occupied the building.
The RCMP raided the compound after receiving a tip about a firearm, leading to the seizure of imitation handguns, ammunition, and electronic devices. Despite praise for the RCMP’s actions, Mayor Miller criticized the justice system for dropping the charges against Didulo and three other supporters.
Christine Sarteschi, a professor specializing in cult movements, expressed concerns that Didulo’s followers might be emboldened by the legal outcome. Sarteschi emphasized the need for transparency from the Crown prosecutor’s office regarding the decision to stay the charges.
Ricky Manz, the property owner where the cult resided, still faces charges, including failing to comply with an undertaking, assault, resisting arrest, and uttering threats. Didulo’s bail conditions were also lifted as part of the stay of proceedings.
Despite the building being deemed uninhabitable and the sewer service being cut off, Mayor Miller remains vigilant, unsure if the cult members will return to Richmound. He expressed readiness to defend the village if needed.