QUEBEC – A former Quebec lieutenant governor who’s accused of spending $700,000 without justification while serving as the Queen’s representative was in court Monday for her preliminary hearing.
Lise Thibault faces a total of six charges, including two counts of fraud, stemming from her 10 years in office.
She was in court Monday for the first time since she was officially charged in September 2009 and declined to comment on the case.
Quebec Court Judge Michel Auger ordered a publication ban Monday on the evidence to be presented.
After the preliminary hearing – which is set to last two weeks – the judge will decide if there is enough evidence to go to trial.
Thibault, who was replaced as lieutenant governor in June 2007, has said she is the victim of a smear campaign.
She is also being sued for $92,000 by the Quebec government in an attempt to recoup some of the money she allegedly misspent.
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