Mayor of Saint-Rmi arrested again on corruption charges

Themayor ofSaint-Rmi, Michel Lavoie, has beenarrested by Quebec's anti-corruption unit todayon charges of embezzlement. It's the second time.

According to a statement from Quebec's permanent anti-corruption unit, UPAC,police arrestedLavoie and municipal councillorLouiseTrudeau-Lefranoisat their southshore homesearly Friday morning.

"Today, another component of the investigation allowed us to bring new charges of embezzlement against Michel Lavoie and also accuse Councillor Louise Trudeau-Lefranois, for abusing their positions as elected officials for the purpose of personal gain, wrote UPACcommissioner Robert Lafrenire, in a statement.

Arrested for thesecond time

Lavoie was suspended from his post lastAugust by the Quebec Superior Court under Bill10, which allowselected officials to be suspended whilefacingcriminal charges.

• St-Rmi mayor stripped of his duties

The mayor was first arrestedonDec. 14, 2012 , following accusations of embezzlement, fraud and conspiracy.

• Mayor of Saint-Rmi, Que., arrested on corruption charges

According to UPAC,Lavoie isallegedto havediscouraged bidders frompurchasingcertain plots ofland,modifiedzoning codes, handledtendersand circumventedrules for awarding contracts.

If convicted, Lavoie faces up to 14 years in prison. Heis set toappear incourt on Jan. 15,2014.

Lavoieisrunning again in themunicipal elections this November,despite the charges against him and the fact that he was suspended from his functions as mayor.