Former Montreal North Mayor Gilles Deguire was arraigned Wednesday on charges of sexual assault and sexual touching of a minor.
The charges each carry a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison and a minimum of one year.
Deguire did not appear in court, instead represented by his lawyer Alexandre Bergevin.
“You can figure out how Deguire would feel, given the nature of the accusations,” said Bergevin.
According to the arrest warrant, the acts linked to the charges were committed between Dec. 1, 2013 and Oct. 23, 2015.
A publication ban protects the identity of the alleged victim.
Deguire must abide by certain conditions while justice takes its course, but those details are also under publication ban.
The borough confirmed on Jan. 7 that Deguire had resigned as mayor after it came to light he was the subject of a criminal investigation.
Deguire served as Montreal North borough mayor since 2009.
Prior to entering politics, Deguire had spent decades as a police officer and then worked as a political attache to former Quebec Liberal cabinet minister Line Beauchamp. During his time as borough mayor, he also served as a member of Denis Coderre’s executive committee.
Deguire’s next court date is set for March 23.
