MONTREAL – Tony Mucci is a reputed leader in the Montreal Mafia. He was picked up in 2010, arrested for possessing several powerful weapons – including a sawed-off shotgun.
His trial was scheduled to begin in a few weeks, in mid-March, but it’s been postponed indefinitely.
In her ruling, Justice Lori-Renee Weitzman stated there are “serious questions” surrounding Sgt.-Det. Philippe Paul, the lead investigator in the case.
A few weeks ago, Paul was reassigned from his duties at the SPVM. He’s under investigation for possibly sharing sensitive information with criminals.
“We think at this moment, Mr. Paul is maybe not trustable, not credible,” defence lawyer Claude Olivier told Global News.
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Mucci returns to court March 14.
His attorney says he is considering filing a second legal motion, one which will request the criminal charges be dropped.
“Be sure I’m thinking about it,” Olivier said.
A number of defence lawyers call the decision in the Tony Mucci case “significant,” one which could set a precedent.
Global News has learned other high-profile criminals awaiting trial are also considering making a similar request.
Sgt.-Det. Philippe Paul is linked to several ongoing criminal cases.
“This dropped like a bomb within the defence lawyer community,” attorney Martin Subak said.
Last October, retired Montreal investigator Benoit Roberge was arrested for leaking police data to a member of the Hells Angels.
“Let’s not forget those are not the only ones, we have three or four high-ranking SQ officers who have very recently been arrested,” Subak added.
Benoit Roberge was also in court Wednesday. He waived his right to a preliminary inquiry, meaning he will proceed directly to trial.
Lawyers in the Roberge case return to court March 13.
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