It appears the white powder contamination scare that paralyzed parts of the city may be linked to an ongoing criminal harassment case.

It turns on a woman named Alexa Amanda Emerson. She also goes by Amanda May Totchek, who is well-known to courts and police.

"It's a really complicated situation, domestic in nature," said defence lawyer Brian Pfefferle.

"These sorts of things, like all spousal-type relationships, have their own weird dynamic and I think, unfortunately, this is one that has led to some charges for my client."

Pfefferle was in provincial court Wednesday morning for Emerson's first appearance in connection with harassment and mischief charges that date to October.

He believes there's a connection between these October charges and the events that unfolded at five businesses Tuesday. How and why they are connected remains to be seen, he said.

Five suspicious packages were sent to downtown and north end businesses on Tuesday. 0:25

Pfefferle said that Emerson faces at least 15 charges connected to the events yesterday that sent police and emergency workers to the businesses over concerns due to unknown substances.

Video mischief

Police closed off the 400 block of 21st Street yesterday due to the white powder scare. (Dan Zakreski/CBC)

According to court documents filed in relation to the October charges, Emerson is alleged to have emailed two videos to a number of people.

The videos depict her being bound, assaulted and threatened by a local man. According to the court documents, the intent was to cause police to believe the man had caused harm to Emerson.

Pfefferle said Emerson turned herself in to police Tuesday morning and was charged with mischief and criminal harassment in connection with the video.

When she appeared on those charges this morning, she was remanded until Dec. 6 and a bail supervision report ordered.

"I can say she was in custody when the incidents were starting to occur around the city yesterday. I'll certainly be interested to see what the allegations were in terms of her involvement because she was in custody the whole time," Pfefferle said.

Harassment history

Police scrambled to keep the public safe. (Dan Zakreski/CBC)

Prosecutor Frank Impey confirmed Alexa Amanda Emerson is also Amanda May Totchek.

In June 2015, Amanda Totchek pleaded guilty to uttering threats, fraud and harassment. The charges related to a two-year pattern of harassment against an ex-boyfriend.

It was characterized by her sending letters and packages to friends and acquaintances of her former partner.

She was sentenced to time served and placed on probation.