The former president of Sutton Quebec, accused of arson at competitors, underwent the first day of his release investigation on Monday at the Saint-Jérôme courthouse. Judge Gilles Garneau postponed his decision until tomorrow and José Christophe Folla must therefore spend at least one more night in prison.
The court was able to hear part of the evidence to determine whether he can regain his freedom while awaiting trial. A publication ban, however, prevents the media from reporting its content, as is usually the case at this stage of a criminal trial.
The judge, however, agreed to release Folla’s two alleged accomplices, Benjamin Amar and Alain Marc Nahmias, pending their trial.
His partner removed from the suspects
Co-shareholder of Sutton Quebec with Folla, Julie Gaucher removed the businessman from his position as president and took his place at the head of the real estate broker franchise.
According to our information from a police source, the Sûreté du Québec (SQ) first put her on its list of suspects during the investigation. However, the infiltration methods used and its wiretapping made it possible to keep it out. The police concluded that she knew nothing of her partner’s alleged criminal plans.
Julie Gaucher refused to grant an interview to The Press. Through her spokesperson, however, she said she was “satisfied” with the turn of events, in the circumstances. “The SQ report rules out its participation,” underlines its spokesperson Patricia Lemoine Smith.
More details to come.