Three arson break their retirement plans

Photo Stéphane Sinclair
Gaston Paquette has suffered three arson attacks, including one that destroyed one of its buildings. On 3 December, one of them had damaged the warehouse of Mr. Paquette. Another fire, on December 5, had done even more damage.

Stéphane Sinclair

Tuesday, December 12, 2017 01:00

UPDATE
Tuesday, December 12, 2017 01:00

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A 72 year old man saw his pension go up in smoke after having been the victim of three arson attacks in recent months. A couple was charged last week in connection with these crimes.

Gaston Paquette, 72 years of age, continued to work in his company’s landscaping by passion. But since October, all of the tools that he collected for years, its warehouse and a race car have been torched.

It assesses its losses to $ 350,000. As it was not insured, he will have to return to work as déneigeur to get to make ends meet and have a retirement more comfortable.

Photo qmi agency

The warehouse of Mr. Paquette.

Free

“I’m going to do snow removal during the first snow storm scheduled for tomorrow (today). I don’t have the choice if I want to retreat a bit comfortable. By chance, God has granted me the health, otherwise, I would not be able to, ” he said.

Mr. Paquette does not believe that the people who set fire to his equipment he wanted.

Samuel Aubin, 26 years old, and Maryann Touchette, 23 years old, have been arrested and have appeared at the palais de justice in Saint-Jérôme on December 8 in connection with seven arson fires that have occurred in recent months, including those perpetrated on the grounds of Mr. Paquette.

Mr. Paquette knows the relatives of the woman accused, who lived very near him.

“I don’t want to take it to them, or her, or anyone. His parents are not there for nothing. These are good people, ” he says.

Photo courtesy

Maryann Touchette, Accused

On the 14th of October last, a first arson fire has ravaged one of the two garages Gaston Paquette in Saint-Eustache. The latter kept the tools and machinery for his company’s landscaping.

The ordeal of Mr. Paquette did not stop there.

On December 3, the miscreants allegedly tried to set fire to another warehouse in Gaston Paquette located on the same lot.

The following Tuesday, a third on fire by a criminal hand had to destroy the other part of its equipment.

“We got three containers full of equipment that were no longer good because of the fire,” says Mr. Paquette.

Photo courtesy

Samuel Aubin, Accused

Return to the box departure

Samuel Aubin and Maryann Touchette is alleged to have committed their crimes as a couple. They are facing charges of arson, mischief, non-compliance with the conditions (for Samuel Aubin), and possession of narcotics.

Maryann Touchette has been released on conditions. Samuel Aubin was kept in detention.

– In collaboration with mylog.ca