Nelson Sergerie, LJI
PERCÉ – Chandler town councillor Bruno-Pierre Godbout will remain in jail for the duration of legal proceedings. That was the verdict of Quebec Court Judge Denis Paradis during the bail hearing held on April 25 at the Percé Courthouse.
The defence and the Crown presented their arguments in the morning during a hearing that lasted two-and-a-half hours. The defence requested that Godbout be released since he did not pose a danger to the victims or the public, and since he would be subject to numerous conditions if granted bail.
Bruno-Pierre Godbout testified, guaranteeing a $2,500 deposit and an equivalent amount without a deposit. A relative of the accused also promised a $2,500 deposit for his release.
For its part, the criminal prosecution argued that the charges are very serious, including the aspect of violence and control toward the victims. It called a Sûreté du Québec investigator who indicated that the investigation is still ongoing. At the time of his arrest on April 15, police indicated that there may be additional victims.
After taking the decision under advisement, the judge ruled at the end of the day on the side of the criminal prosecution, considering that the accused’s release would undermine public confidence in the justice system, that he faces a sentence of between five and ten years in prison, and that the evidence presented during the bail hearing appeared credible.
The 36-year-old man faces 12 charges related to sexual assault, assault with a weapon, assault, unlawful confinement, and criminal harassment following an arrest warrant.
The events allegedly occurred between 2010 and 2025 in Bonaventure, Gaspé, Newport, Saint-Nérée-de-Bellechasse, and Montreal. A publication ban was issued to protect the identities of the victims.
At the time of his arrest, the Sûreté du Québec stated that Mr. Godbout allegedly used his notoriety to contact the victims.
In addition to being a municipal councilor, Mr. Godbout works as a physical rehabilitation therapist at the Gaspé Peninsula Integrated Health and Social Services Centre (CISSS).
Being remanded in custody represents a new setback for the individual, who is already facing charges of fraud, forgery, and using, possessing, or trafficking in a document. These charges were filed following an investigation by the Permanent Anti-Corruption Unit (UPAC) while the councillor was pro-mayor of Chandler following the suspension of former mayor Louisette Langlois in 2021.
UPAC estimated the amount of fraud at approximately $10,000. In addition, a case dating back to 2021 related to an illegal sports betting lottery remains under review by the Crown.