rimouski Figure Faces Sexual Assault Charges
RIMOUSKI, QC – Djanick Michaud, 53, a prominent figure in the Rimouski region, has been charged with sexual assault adn related offenses involving a minor. The accusations stem from alleged incidents occurring between 2019 and 2022. Michaud faces four counts, including sexual assault, inciting sexual contact, and assault on a minor, according to court documents. A publication ban protects the identity of the alleged victim.
Michaud ran for mayor of Rimouski in 2017 and previously served as press secretary to Guy Caron, then the New Democratic Party Member of Parliament for Rimouski-Neigette-Témiscouata-Les Basques, from 2011 to 2019. Currently, he is the coordinator of the National Society of Eastern quebec (SNEQ), whose Rimouski office was closed Thursday following the news.
Rimouski Mayor Guy Caron, who served with Michaud years prior, responded to the charges Thursday morning. “My first thoughts go to the victims, to the family who is surely very affected. This is never good news to receive,” Caron stated, adding that his relationship with Michaud had ended in 2019.
Michaud appeared in court in June and is scheduled to return to the Rimouski courthouse next Monday. If convicted on all charges, he faces a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison.
