A sixth complainant testifies against Étienne Lavoie

Etienne Lavoie

Share October 2, 2020 3:56 p.m. Share A sixth complainant testifies against Étienne Lavoie

René-Charles Quirion La Tribune All the complainants for sexual assault against the former Sherbrooke psychologist Étienne Lavoie were heard in court.

The sixth alleged victim testified on Friday at the Sherbrooke courthouse as part of the preliminary investigation.

This stage of the proceedings could be concluded with the return of the case on October 16. The trial could subsequently be fixed if Judge Conrad Chapdelaine of the Court of Quebec quotes Étienne Lavoie.

A publication ban prevents disclosure of the content of victims' testimonies.

The 48-year-old man from Sainte-Catherine-de-Hatley is accused of procuring, sexual assault, sexual assault with a weapon, drug trafficking, having obtained material benefits from sexual services, having advertises sexual services, distribution of intimate images without consent, death threats and assault.

Lavoie has been waiting for further proceedings behind bars since February 2019.

The prosecution had mentioned in November 2019 having sent a global offer of settlement by a guilty plea to Étienne Lavoie.

Étienne Lavoie was arrested on 14 charges related to procuring and sexual offenses involving three alleged victims in the winter of 2019. Thirteen other charges were laid in May of the same year. In November 2019, a sixth complainant was added to the file.

In mid-March 2019, the Tribunal determined that Lavoie should remain in detention for the duration of the legal proceedings.

It is Me Laïla Belgharras who represents the public prosecutor in this case, while Me Jasmin Laperle defends the accused.