Senator Joël Guerriau, suspected of having drugged a deputy, is in police custody

Loire-Atlantique senator Joël Guerriau, suspected of having drugged a member of parliament, was placed in police custody on Wednesday November 15, franceinfo learned from a source close to the matter on Thursday, confirming information from RMC. The senator’s police custody was extended Thursday evening.

According to the Paris prosecutor’s office, the 66-year-old elected official is in police custody for “administration to a person, without their knowledge, of a substance likely to impair their judgment or control of their actions to commit rape or sexual assault”. For this offense, the elected official faces five years in prison and a fine of 75,000 euros, specifies the prosecution.

The MP went to file a complaint, saying she felt unwell after having a drink at Joël Guerriau’s on Tuesday evening. She underwent medical examinations and tested positive for ecstasy. During a search of the senator’s home, a small bag of this drug was found. Joël Guerriau denies any sexual intention.

A sachet of ecstasy found at the senator’s home

According to a source close to the case, the MP told investigators that she had been invited by Joël Guerriau to her Parisian home on Tuesday evening. After having a drink, she felt unwell and decided to leave the apartment.

Joël Guerriau was interviewed by investigators from the 3rd judicial police district. During the search carried out at his home in his presence, a sachet of ecstasy was found. A search also took place in his Senate office, always in his presence. But no drugs were found there.

Joël Guerriau has been elected senator since 2011. He is vice-president of the committee on foreign affairs, defense and armed forces. Member of the Independents of the Senate group, he joined Edouard Philippe’s Horizons party in 2022.