Witness at Quebec corruption inquiry slapped with perjury charge over testimony

MONTREAL – A witness at Quebec’s corruption inquiry has been arrested for allegedly lying during his testimony.

Francois Theriault faces charges of perjury and obstruction of justice and is expected to appear at the Montreal courthouse this afternoon.

Theriault was arrested early today by Quebec provincial police at his home in Laval, just north of Montreal. They also conducted a raid at the home.

Theriault is a site supervisor for the City of Montreal who told the commission in November he only received gifts like bottles of wine and hockey tickets.

But a three-week investigation by police has led to allegations Theriault received certain financial benefits related to his home.

Police say in a statement that Theriault’s arrest has no bearing on the immunity of witnesses testifying before the Charbonneau inquiry.