Gabriel Chabot-Gagné, a former security guard at a museum, has been sentenced to two years in prison for committing frotteurism, involving inappropriate contact with 13 victims, including 10 minors. Despite a request for a five-year sentence, the judge prioritized rehabilitation, acknowledging Chabot-Gagné’s admission of his sexual deviation and his pursuit of therapy. The sentence includes an additional three months for assaulting a journalist during a court hearing, highlighting concerns about his potential for reoffending and public safety.
Security Guard Sentenced for Disturbing Crimes
In a distressing case involving “frotteurism,” Gabriel Chabot-Gagné has been sentenced to two years in prison after being found guilty of inappropriately touching 13 victims, including 10 minors, during his tenure as a security guard at a museum.
Judge’s Decision and Acknowledgment of Rehabilitation
Despite the public prosecutor’s request for a substantial five-year sentence for the 26-year-old, Judge Frank D’Amours opted to emphasize not only the need for accountability but also the potential for rehabilitation. Chabot-Gagné admitted during the proceedings to having a sexual deviation towards teenagers and disclosed that he had begun therapeutic measures.
“I am counting heavily on the steps you have taken, and I want to ensure that you receive professional help during both your detention and probation,” the judge reiterated before the defendant was taken into custody.
The total sentence includes 21 months for the sexual offenses, along with an additional three months for assaulting a journalist during a court appearance. The judge also mandated a three-year probation period, complemented by a 24-month follow-up.
Chabot-Gagné acknowledged that he had exploited his position as a security guard to engage in inappropriate behavior with female visitors and confessed to having over 50 victims, expressing a disturbing sense of gratification from his actions.
Judge D’Amours lamented how the accused specifically targeted school groups, which allowed him to prey on a larger number of individuals. Chabot-Gagné confessed that his inappropriate contacts often led to sexual arousal, and he even admitted to engaging in masturbation at his workplace due to his inability to control his impulses.
The presentencing report indicated a significantly elevated risk of reoffending for Chabot-Gagné, raising concerns about public safety moving forward.
In addition to the sexual offenses, Chabot-Gagné faced charges for assaulting a journalist from Radio-Canada, who was documenting the proceedings. Judge D’Amours stressed the importance of the media’s role, especially in a climate where their work is often challenged by various factions. Consequently, three additional months were added to his sentence for this assault, which involved an attempt to seize the journalist’s phone and an act of physical aggression.