HUDSON KEEPS EYE ON FRAUD TRIAL
Outcome of former director general’s case could result in civil lawsuits
The town of Hudson has a vested interest in the outcome of the fraud trial of former director general Louise Léger-Villandré, which includes launching possible civil lawsuits against her or any alleged accomplices for misappropriated funds, said Jean-Pierre Roy, Hudson’s new top civil servant.
The town is keeping a close watch on Léger-Villandré’s case which was postponed — for the eighth time — in Superior Court in Valleyfield on Monday.
Roy, a lawyer, was at the Valleyfield courthouse on Monday. He said it is important for him to hear, in person, any evidence presented during the entirety of Léger-Villandré’s trial.
“We’ll talk to the prosecutor (as well), but we want to see the evidence in that case; what it’s all about. What is the aftermath of all that for the town of Hudson? What will remain for the citizens? What can we do? Who can we sue? Her or her accomplices? We don’t know (yet),” Roy told reporters after Monday’s short court appearance.
Roy said the trial could also reveal if any improper procedures were carried out at town hall in past years during Léger-Villandré’s tenure, which could help the town launch claims for damages.
“It could be very important — a call for tenders that was not done or a resolution was not adopted. What we want also is to try and find out about the money, the assets and the accomplices. When you know the (details), run (with it). So that’s the reason why I must be there. I must hear the evidence,” Roy said, adding the town would need to file claims for damages within six months of the criminal case.
In October, Hudson council had designated two officials — Roy and the town’s new treasurer, Jean Raymond — to attend the upcoming court appearance of Léger-Villandré. “It is important and in the public interest of the town of Hudson to monitor this case and understand what occurred during that period of the town’s history,” the resolution stated.
Once some financial evidence is expected to be presented, Hudson’s treasurer will eventually accompany Roy at the trial.
“It’s important for the citizens of Hudson to know that we are there,” Roy said of town officials attending the trial.
Hudson also wants to know the state of the municipal documents seized by the province’s anti-corruption squad, UPAC, during its investigation leading to the arrest of Léger-Villandré. UPAC still has these town documents, Roy said, adding they want these returned eventually.
On Monday, Léger-Villandré’s case was postponed because Crown prosecutor Mathieu Longpré had a scheduling conflict and could not be present. He had an unrelated trial before a jury that morning, said defence lawyer Robert La Haye. The case is postponed to Dec. 10 when there will be a pro forma hearing, he added.
La Haye declined to comment when asked by the Montreal Gazette on a possible plea bargain being negotiated for Léger-Villandré, who is about 65 years old.
If the case goes to trial, the Crown had stated it could call between 20 and 25 witnesses. If convicted of all charges, Léger-Villandré could face a maximum 14-year prison term.
Léger-Villandré, who also once held the positions of town clerk and treasurer over four decades of working at town hall, was arrested in October 2014 following an investigation by the province’s anti-corruption squad. She faces a total of 19 counts related to fraud and breach of trust, and creating and using false documents stemming back to 1997. While Hudson’s director general, she is alleged to have cashed municipal cheques totalling $1.1 million through her personal bank account.
Unrelated to the fraud charges, Revenue Quebec officials executed a court order this past spring to seize some of Léger-Villandré’s movable property, a vehicle and some furniture. She owes the province about $307,000 in unpaid taxes following a review of income tax returns made between 2008 and 2012. In 2014, Revenue Quebec had obtained a lien on her real-estate holdings, including a house in Hudson.