The Department of Family Affairs accepted without batting an eyelid that a convicted daycare owner bequeathed his daycare benefits to his wife, under the mistaken assumption that he would no longer be involved in the business.
A document obtained by our investigations office shows that Alain Sarrapuchiello was involved in the management of the day care center after his transfer.
The man was found guilty of stealing $45,000 in January 2022 while running the subsidized Montreal facility.
The former owner of Le petit monde de Sophia daycare, Alain Sarrapuchiello. Image from Alain Sarrapuchiello’s Facebook page
The ministry, learning of the conviction months later, eventually forced the criminal to sell his company or go out of business, our investigative office announced last April.
To his wife
However, Sarrapuchiello simply passed the torch to his wife, who already held the position of director of the establishment. The Ministry of Family Affairs did not want to mention whether the day-care center was sold or given away, citing the confidentiality of the process.
Leyla Meziane-Bellefquih has been the sole shareholder and manager of the Le petit monde de Sophia daycare center in Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve since June 5, the ministry confirms.
“As of this date, Mr. Sarrapuchiello is no longer authorized to act on behalf of the daycare,” he adds.
Still involved
But two days later, on June 7, Sarrapuchiello signed a request for a minor city exemption on behalf of the daycare, according to the document we received.
The subsidized day care center Le petit monde de Sophia can accommodate up to 80 children. Photo Pascal Dugas Bourdon
Mr. Sarrapuchuiello declined our request for an interview and referred us to his attorney. He explains that his client signed this document because he himself initiated the process at the city a few months ago. In addition, contrary to the Ministry, the lawyer believes that his client could act on behalf of the daycare until June 12, the date when the transfer would have been “complete”.
“The ministry takes these allegations seriously and will initiate investigations,” said a spokeswoman.
“Play the System”
Last April, Family Minister Suzanne Roy deplored the machinations of Sarrapuchiello, who had been slow to respond to inquiries from the ministry following his criminal conviction.
Family Minister Suzanne Roy. Photo Martin Alarie
“[Sarrapuchiello] played within the law. That’s what I call: playing the system. “It won’t happen again,” she promised.
Despite the subterfuges to which he fell victim, the ministry accepted that Sarrapuchiello would transfer his wife’s daycare but indicated that a close follow-up would be made.
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