Daniel Rochefort Arrested on Alleged Pedosex-Related Offences

Daniel Rochefort, 72, was arrested Thursday by the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal and appeared by videoconference Friday afternoon at the Montreal courthouse in connection with alleged pedosex-related offences. Prosecutor Me Marissa Maria Kazadellis opposed his release, and the case was postponed until Monday.

Montreal courthouse Friday

During the hearing, Rochefort asked the judge, "On s’objecte à ma remise en liberté si je comprends bien ?" He also said, "Laissez-moi lundi faire au moins ce procès-là… je peux être là mardi ou mercredi. Je suis complètement désemparé, le client attend son procès depuis cinq ou six mois". He appeared without a lawyer.

The allegation centers on events that police say took place last week in Montreal. Investigators accuse him of producing material of pedosex abuse and exploitation after a police officer from the SPVM allegedly posed as a 12-year-old girl in the operation.

Rochefort et Associés

Rochefort founded Rochefort et Associés in 1996 after working in large firms. His cabinet says he specialized in labour law, administrative law, litigation and commercial law, and that he has interests in private companies across Canada, Europe and the Middle East.

He also previously defended SPVM police officers in labour-related cases, including former police chief Philippe Pichet. That past work puts the arrest of a lawyer known for representing police figures under the same municipal force in a sharper light than a routine criminal file.

Marissa Maria Kazadellis

Kazadellis opposed Rochefort’s release and told the court new charges were coming soon. The file was adjourned to Monday, keeping the case in its early phase while prosecutors prepare to add to the allegations already before the court.