There was a brief court hearing in Trois-Rivières Wednesday for a 36-year-old man accused of possessing and distributing child pornography.

Jonathan Bettez, who, at his last court appearance faced an angry crowd that included the family of Cedrika Provencher, was arrested a month ago on the allegations that date back to between 2009 and 2013.

Bettez was released on $5,000 bail with strict conditions.

The accused was absent for the hearing, which centred on procedures of evidence in the case. His lawyer, Magali Lepage, represented him.

The suspect’s arrest sparked an uproar, because Bettez had met with police in the investigation into the 2007 disappearance of nine-year-old Cedrika Provencher. No charges were ever laid against Bettez in that matter.

The charges against Bettez include:

  • Allowing child porn to be distributed in Trois-Rivieres between Nov. 4, 2009 and Sept. 30, 2013.
  • Being in possession of child pornography with intent to distribute during the same period.
  • Accessing child pornography during that period.
  • Accessing child pornography between Aug. 9, 2012 and Sept. 30, 2013.
  • Possession of child pornography during that period.
  • Possessing child pornography during a period in 2013

The case will return to court Nov. 14.