On Wednesday, June 12, 48-year-old Yan Lecompte, a well-known Salaberry-de-Valleyfield man in his forties, returned to the Court of Quebec to answer a slew of sexual charges. Prior to his arrest, the man had been involved with well-established sports organizations in the Suroît region.

He is accused of having had an extramarital relationship with a minor for several years. In court, he faces charges of sexual assault, touching, incitement to sexual touching of the victim and her person, sexual exploitation, production and possession of child pornography, transmission of sexually explicit material, luring and exhibitionism. 

Despite the seriousness of the charges, the accused remains free pending further proceedings. He has entrusted his defence to criminal lawyer Alexandre Dubé, while the Crown is represented by Me Kim Emond. 

According to the evidence presented to the Tribunal, the victim was only 12 years old when the abuse began. Her identity is protected by a publication ban. She would have been under the yoke of the accused for 10 years. The full-scale assaults began in 2015. 

The accused allegedly led her to believe that they were a couple "on the sly". The first contacts between the two, involving touching and Internet luring, are said to have occurred in 2013. 

The accused's lawyer, Mr. Dubé, confirmed that he received the evidence in the case on April 3 and was able to meet with his client. The case will return to the Tribunal on September 4 for the orientation and declaration stage.