Faubourg Mena’Sen Fraud Case: Concerns Raised Over Legal Representation and Deadlines

Sherbrooke, Quebec – The ongoing fraud case related to the 2022 sale of the Faubourg Mena’Sen seniors’ housing complex is facing scrutiny, with the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions (DPCP) voicing concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest in legal representation and the looming threat of statutory deadlines.

Concerns Over Shared Legal Counsel

On Friday, February 20, 2026, the DPCP raised concerns that all five co-accused in the case are represented by the same legal team, led by Me Giuseppe Battista and his colleague. François Boillat-Madfouny of the DPCP suggested the defense evaluate the situation, noting that conflicting defenses could arise when multiple defendants are represented by a single counsel. Source

“Sometimes there may be defenses that are not compatible and, if it is the same lawyer, that can create problems,” Boillat-Madfouny stated in a press scrum. The DPCP’s concerns are currently based on a theoretical risk – the possibility that differing legal strategies could hinder a fair trial.

Me Battista expressed surprise at the DPCP’s concerns, stating he had understood the prosecution did not foresee any difficulties. Source

Deadline Concerns and Trial Date Postponement

The prosecution also expressed concerns about adhering to the 18-month statutory deadline for bringing the case to trial, to avoid a potential Jordan ruling – a legal challenge based on unreasonable delay. Source

While the DPCP sought to establish a trial date on Friday, the defense successfully requested a postponement to allow time to analyze the evidence. Me Battista explained that the defense had only recently received the disclosure materials. Source The case is now scheduled to return to court on April 24, 2026, for the purpose of setting a trial date.

Background of the Case

Five former administrators – Serge Dubois, Michel Fortin, Patrick Fortin, Jocelyn Morissette, and René St-Amant – were arrested last week by the Commissaire à la lutte contre la corruption (CLCC) and the Unité permanente anticorruption (UPAC) and charged with fraud over $5,000. Source The charges relate to a fraud exceeding $19 million connected to the sale of the Faubourg Mena’Sen in 2022. Source

Authorities allege that the administrators modified the organization’s letters patent before dissolving the non-profit entity, removing clauses that required assets to remain within the non-profit sector. This allegedly allowed the proceeds from the sale to be diverted. Source

As of December 18, 2025, more than $10.5 million in bank and investment accounts linked to the sale had been frozen, along with restrictions placed on four residences and the seizure of three vehicles. Source

All five accused pleaded not guilty in their initial court appearance on December 17, 2025. Source