A Canadian man has definitively lost a 16-year court battle over a substantial sum of money. Marcel Breton sought to reclaim over C$1.2 million that was seized from his residence after a police search in 2009.
Background of the Case
During a search related to illegal firearms, police discovered large amounts of cash hidden throughout Breton’s home in northwestern Ontario. This operation also revealed various illegal drugs on the premises.
Legal Proceedings
Initially convicted on various charges, Breton was acquitted at a retrial. He argued that the police search was unlawful, which gained him some ground in court. However, his attempts to recover the seized funds faced significant hurdles.
Appeals Court Ruling
Recently, an Ontario appeals court upheld a 2023 ruling determining that most of the seized money should be forfeited to the Canadian government. The trial judge concluded that Breton did not lawfully possess the cash found on his property.
Seized Money Details
The police recovered the following amounts during their search:
- C$1,235,620 buried under his garage
- C$32,000 stored in various locations within the garage
- $15,000 found in under-floor heating ducts of the living room
Notably, the trial judge remarked on the unusual nature of the cash stashes, highlighting that the predominant denomination was C$20. This observation was linked to expert testimony suggesting such amounts are often associated with drug-related activities.
Income Reporting Issues
Further complicating Breton’s case, it was noted that he failed to report any income to the revenue agency from 2001 to 2008. This lack of financial transparency painted a concerning picture regarding the source of the seized money.
Partial Recovery of Funds
Despite the unfavorable ruling for the majority of the seized funds, Breton was allowed to reclaim the $15,000 found in the vents of his home. This particular amount was deemed potentially obtained lawfully, as its denominations were inconsistent with those found in the garage.
In conclusion, Marcel Breton’s extensive fight to recover C$1.2 million has ended in a loss, with most of the funds remaining under government control. The case underscores complex legal issues surrounding property rights and law enforcement procedures.
