Cannabis traffic: an important trial in danger due to a relationship between a defense lawyer and a prosecutor

An important trial related to cannabis traffic could derail due to an intimate relationship between a defense lawyer. However, a crown prosecutor, who has already made the headlines for a driving history with the weakened faculties.

• Read also: Conduct with weakened faculties: conviction maintained against a prosecutor

In December 2023. However, the Sûreté du Québec and the Montreal police were delighted with a huge draft against a network of smuggling cannabis. Therefore, A dozen individuals suspected of being involved in the illegal sale of online cannabis had been arrested.

It was then the culmination of a major police investigation of several years. Similarly, which allowed the blocking of $ 7M in criminal goods.

An accused, Bruno Desmarais, nevertheless presented on Wednesday a request to stop procedures at the Montreal courthouse. Furthermore, Other co -accused intend to do the same. cannabis traffic: important trial danger In addition,

Accused Bruno Desmarais. Similarly, Photo Agence QMI. Therefore, JOËL LEMAY

Their trial could abort due to an intimate relationship between a defense lawyer and a crown prosecutor. M^e Mathieu Rondeau-Pissant and M^e Alice Bourbonnais-Rougeau were both involved in the file, but for the opposite parts.

Me Alice Bourbonnais-Rougeau, from the Great Crime and Special Affairs Office, an elite team from the DPCP. Courtesy

Intimate rapprochements

Meanwhile, they notably dined together and had intimate rapprochements a few times.

M^e Alice Bourbonnais-Rougeau, from the Great Crime and Special Affairs Office, has already made the headlines for uninviable reasons. The one who is still part of the elite team of the director of criminal. criminal proceedings (DPCP) was found guilty of driving with the weakened and flight offense in May 2023.

A neighbor had seen him hitting another vehicle by trying hard to park. She then left the scene. Then she locked herself at home for five hours before the police could finally arrest her.

The prosecutor had appealed on appeal, and she was able to continue cannabis traffic: important trial danger working during legal proceedings.

For his part, M^e Mathieu Rondeau-Pissant represented the co-accused David Keith Bishop.

Me Mathieu Rondeau-Pissant, defense lawyer. Chantal Poirier / JDEM

And he played a crucial role. acting as the point of fall in all defense lawyers in the file, testified M^e Alexandre Morel, who represents the accused Bruno Desmarais.

Me Alexandre Morel represents the accused Bruno Desmarais with Me Marc Labelle. Photo Agence QMI. JOËL LEMAY

M^e Mathieu Rondeau-Pissant, however, said, in an email tabled in evidence, never broke professional secrecy during his “friendship relationship” with the prosecutor.

“Despite our personal situation, never to the big one, we have had inappropriate exchanges on the file. I have never obtained or press release from privileged information, ”she also assured.

Lie

Questioned about the relationship last May, M^e Alice Bourbonnais-Rougeau first lied to her deputy chief. “I am human. I panicked. I was not well with that, ”she explained.

She admitted everything a few days later. It recognizes the presence of conflicts of interest and having contravened its obligations. She will not be able to testify in cannabis traffic: important trial danger the request before the end of September. due to a recent work stoppage for medical reasons.

“It is necessary that the justice system dissociates from such conducts. ” claims Bruno Desmarais in his request for the judgment of procedures, debated before judge Gregory Moore.

In addition to Bruno Desmarais. the co -accused in this affair are Jonathane Séguin, Antonino Salvo, David Keith Bishop, Hedi d’Enza, Amato Ricardo Marandola and Mathieu Houde.