Gilles Deguire charged with sexual assault

Former Montreal North Mayor Gilles Deguirehas officially beenchargedsexual assault and the sexual touching of a minor.

Deguire was arrested earlier thismonth.

He was not present in court today andrepresented by his lawyers instead.

An arrest warrant obtained by Radio-Canadasaidthe alleged assaulthappened between Dec. 1, 2013 and Oct. 23, 2015.

• Gilles Deguirecharged with sexual assault, touching of minor
• Montreal North mayoral byelection to be held by mid-May

Deguirestepped down as boroughmayor in early January, and an executive committee member confirmed he was undercriminal investigation. Deguire had beena member of Mayor DenisCoderre'sparty.

Coderre said he will not comment on the charges so as to not influence the court proceedings.

City councillorChantal Rossihas been appointedas acting borough mayor and a byelection to replace Deguire will be held by mid-May.