Former Ontario Lawyer Receives Six-Year Sentence for Multi-Million Dollar Fraud
Joseph Stéphane Langlois, a disbarred lawyer formerly practicing in Rockland, Ontario, has been sentenced too six years in prison for defrauding clients of over $3 million.The sentencing took place Monday at the Ottawa Courthouse before Ontario Superior Court Justice Alexandre Kaufman.
Langlois pleaded guilty in June to twelve fraud-related charges, including four counts of fraud exceeding $5,000 and eight counts of uttering, possessing, or trafficking in forged documents. The charges stemmed from an investigation by the Ontario Provincial Police in 2022,which revealed more than $3 million had been misappropriated from two mixed trust accounts held at Langlois’s firm.
Justice Kaufman urged Langlois to use his time in prison for rehabilitation and emphasized the need to protect the public and deter similar misconduct by other professionals, given the seriousness and extent of the offenses and Langlois’s former position of trust as a lawyer.
Victim impact statements presented during a July hearing detailed the devastating consequences of Langlois’s actions. One especially poignant statement came from his ex-wife, who described his crimes as a “human betrayal.” She testified that Langlois forged her signature on numerous occasions, resulting in substantial debts, personal bankruptcy, and the loss of her business.
following the sentencing, Langlois addressed the victims present in court, offering a direct apology in French. “I am deeply sorry. I understand that my actions have created fear,confusion and a sense of injustice.I take full responsibility for what I have done. Being tried in a court of law is the fairest course of action for you,” he stated.
Langlois’s defense counsel, Christian Deslauriers, argued that his client had experienced significant public stigma on social media, impacting both his personal and professional life. Deslauriers submitted letters of support from three colleagues and a letter from Langlois’s son to the court.
Crown lawyer François Dulude countered that the impact of Langlois’s crimes extended far beyond financial losses, causing shattered lives, ruined plans, and a profound breach of trust.
The judge ordered Langlois to pay restitution of $827,127.97 to one victim. The Law Society of Ontario has provided financial relief to other victims through its insurance and compensation fund.
