The former director general of the City of Laval will have finally spent four months in prison for his participation in a vast system of corruption and collusion of public contracts, despite having received a sentence of two years less One day.
"The risk you represent, by returning home, is not unacceptable to society," says the Quebec Parole Board (CQLC) in a recent decision.
Claude Asselin, 74, is back home after being sentenced to prison last October for conspiracy and fraud spreading from 1996 to 2006.
According to the evidence, Asselin participated in a system that allowed consulting engineering firms and construction companies to benefit from public contracts in exchange for a rebate of 2%.
Fear of losing one's job
It could be paid in cash, but also in the form of "donations" at charity events.
"The awarding of the majority of public contracts under construction was decided before the receipt and opening of tenders," recalls the CQLC. The "winners" were previously designated by the director of engineering, in collaboration with you, the general manager. "
At the CQLC hearing, Asselin confessed to "turning a blind eye" to this system for fear of losing his job. He was just following the instructions of former Mayor Gilles Vaillancourt, he said.
"You claim to be aware of having hurt residents of the city of Laval, employees and your family," the CQLC noted, adding that Asselin regretted losing its savings and part of its pension.
Difficult detention
Asselin, a boat enthusiast, says that his incarceration has been difficult. But, despite everything, he says he has done his best to "occupy his time." He enrolled in various programs and helped fellow inmates who can not read or write.
"You have had exemplary behavior," notes the Commission.
Even though he "betrayed public trust," his recognition of the crimes and the deterrent effect of four months of incarceration meant that he did not deserve to serve his entire sentence in custody, he concluded. CQLC. However, he will have to respect several conditions, including volunteering.
Former Mayor Gilles Vaillancourt, who had been sentenced to six years in December 2016 as a penitentiary, was released on parole one year later.