The former president of Sutton Quebec, who was released on a near-record bail of $400,000, will ultimately remain in prison until the end of his trial. Judge Hélène Di Salvo decided on Monday to incarcerate José Christophe Folla, accused of burning down the properties of his competitors.
The 70-year-old multimillionaire faces serious charges: he allegedly ordered a series of arsons targeting competing brokers between 2017 and 2022 in the northern suburbs of Montreal. He also allegedly plotted to commit others.
Accused on January 24, José Christophe Folla was released on conditions a few days later. A court order prohibits us from detailing the reasons for this decision as well as the evidence presented. Judge Gilles Garneau of the Court of Quebec imposed obligations on him that are rarely seen.
Thus, the real estate mogul had to commit to depositing $200,000 as security. His wife Céline Levac and her partner Julie Gaucher, who became president of Sutton Québec, stood surety for an additional $100,000.
It is extremely rare for such financial commitments to be offered by an accused in Canada.
The Crown, however, requested a review of this decision before the Superior Court. This is how judge Hélène Di Salvo determined on Monday, at the end of a long decision, that José Christophe Folla should be incarcerated for the duration of the legal process.
A publication ban covers the reasons for this decision.
The defense intends to appeal
The defense lawyer, Mr.e Claude Rouleau, indicated at the end of the hearing that he had the mandate to appeal this decision to the Supreme Court of Canada. In the meantime, he could ask the Court of Appeal for his release.
José Christophe Folla owns a veritable small real estate empire, including the Balmoral Golf Course in Morin-Heights and a share of the EVO Montréal residences, housed in the former tower of the Delta hotel in the city center and valued at 77 million.
His partner Julie Gaucher bought back her shares in Sutton Quebec, according to the company, which boasts some 1,500 brokers. They carry out 22,000 transactions per year.
With Hugo Joncas, The Press