A former Alma executive in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, who was fired in the fall of 2021 for sexually assaulting a staff member, is facing new charges.
Eric Jean was due to receive his sentence this week. However, he is said to have broken into a private home on 8 September to sexually abuse another applicant. The judgment was therefore postponed.
“If he is found guilty of these latest allegations, the court could assume that there is a repeat of the case,” fears his lawyer Me Jean-Marc Fradette. “We will take the time to study the file to see how we can respond.”
Eric Jean’s legal troubles began in November 2021 when he was in charge of horticultural work in the city of Alma.
The 47-year-old man, accompanied by another worker, presented himself to a junior worker on his behalf on November 6, 2021. His sexual advances towards the woman are rebuffed, but he does something wrong.
“He admitted touching the bra and resting his head on the woman’s chest,” Me Fradette said. “He had texted her during the day, she hadn’t shown any interest, but the two men showed up anyway.”
The woman lodged a complaint with the police. The employer, the city of Alma, was quickly informed of the events. Without waiting for the conclusion of the court case, Eric Jean was released without appealing the decision. The city ruled that he had abused his authority.
“The boss must always remember that he is dealing with subordinates,” explains Mr. Fradette. “He was trying to get things the victim didn’t want. It’s sexual harassment. Labor law is very clear on this subject. We can’t.”
The other witness to the attack was never charged with anything.
“He was only a witness, on site at the request of Mr. Jean,” stressed Me Fradette.
Since his release, the accused had become self-employed. He will appear in court in March next year. It was impossible to reach a representative from his former employer.