Halifax lawyer who died was accused of extorting explicit photos from troubled clients

A young man told a police officer that Halifax lawyer Billy Sparks had done more for him than even his own mother. Sparks had taken him golfing, to the casino, paid for his food and beer, and let him sleep on his couch when needed.

However, in August 2023, the young man confided a troubling secret to the officer he had come to trust. He revealed that for about two years, Sparks had been extorting him, demanding explicit photos and videos in exchange for legal representation in criminal cases.

Sparks, 52, took his own life earlier this year in his Halifax duplex, which also served as his law office, just days after police searched his home while investigating claims that he had groomed, extorted, and sexually assaulted vulnerable, financially struggling clients.

Details of these allegations and the police investigation have come to light through court records related to a search warrant, which were recently unsealed—though partially redacted—by a Nova Scotia Supreme Court judge at the request of CBC.

Although Sparks was never charged, Halifax police are continuing their investigation, even after his death. The case involves a complex judicial process to determine which of the records seized during the search can be released to investigators and which are protected by solicitor-client privilege.

Prosecutor Peter Dostal, who is assisting police in gaining access to non-privileged records, said the public has an interest in seeing the case resolved. Despite Sparks' death, investigators aim to determine if there were other victims or if he had any accomplices.

"Having a lawyer prey on their clients, especially youthful ones, is an extremely disturbing allegation, and it warrants a thorough investigation, whether or not it leads to prosecution," Dostal said in an interview.

The investigation could have broader implications. While Dostal noted that "certain parties" may be interested in reviewing or reopening cases where Sparks served as defense counsel, he said that is beyond the scope of his involvement.