Manon Perreault, NDP MP, faces criminal charges

Manon Perreault, a New Democrat MP from Quebec, has been suspended from her party's caucus after criminal charges were laid against her, the party confirmed in a statement today.

The MP for the riding of Montcalmwas charged today with falsely accusing someone of theft and misleading police.

According to court documents, Perreaultcalled police to report a crime on Jan.21of this yearinMascouche, Que.,which is where her riding office is located.

After an investigation, it isPerreault now who is facing three charges of public mischief for having falsely reported a crime, falsely accusing someone of stealing, and "committing an act intended to cause another person to be suspected of having committed a crime that she did not, in this case:theft."

Perreault to sit as Independent

A statement issued by her riding office Friday afternoon said thatPerreaultisupset about having been booted from caucus, but she understands it's the right decision for the party to take.

"She will resign herself, heart-broken, to sit as an Independent."

Her office said Perreaultlookedforward to giving her side of the story and shedding light on what transpired.

The NDP said in its statement, "Perreault has the right to a fair process and a full and complete defence.As this affair is now before the courts, the NDP does not plan to comment any further."

Perreault's party biography describes her as an advocate for people with disabilities.

She was first elected to the House of Commons in 2011.

Perreaultisscheduled to appear in Joliette court on July 15.