The trial of a former Granby firefighter accused of stealing from his colleagues has been suspended

Meeting before Superior Court Judge Line Samoisette, the parties agreed to stop hearings for the day to allow the plaintiffs to consider an offer from the defense.

It’s a “serious” offer, said Kaven Bélanger, president of the Independent Union of Firefighters in Granby, in the courtroom corridor.

“We will consult our assembly members,” he added. If there is an agreement, even better. “

“If there is a settlement, we will agree on all the ins and outs,” warned Me Maryse Lepage, who represents 68 Granby firefighters in the case.

They are seeking nearly $140,000 from three former colleagues who they accuse of using union funds to cover expenses unrelated to their duties.

Two of the firefighters who were sued settled out of court; the remaining respondent is Jonathan Leclerc, former treasurer of the Granby Firefighters Union, who now works in the field of cleaning ventilation ducts.

He is accused of stealing most of the alleged amount, $110,584, including nearly $70,000 in over-the-counter withdrawals.

Bankruptcy

For the defense, Me Richard Arcand also declared on Monday that his client placed himself under the protection of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act.

A situation that, once the settlement offer is rejected, does not prevent a trial from happening, said Me Lepage.

“It stops all procedures, but we can ask to continue the trial because it is a fraudulent loan.”

This is the reason why Me Lepage asked the judge not to cancel the seven days set aside to hear this case in the Granby court. Me Arcand then made it clear that when the trial starts, five days will be enough.

The parties are due to meet again on Tuesday in court to present the outcome of their deliberations.

“We are moving toward a settlement to everyone’s satisfaction,” Mr. Arcand said.

The case was filed in May 2021. The plaintiffs have scheduled three prosecution witnesses, while 11 people may be called to the stand for the defense.