Ex-Quebec cabinet minister avoids trial by pleading guilty

QUEBEC – Former Quebec Liberal cabinet minister Tony Tomassi will not have to stand trial on fraud charges after his lawyer indicated he will plead guilty.

Lawyer Caroline Drolet said in Quebec City today her client will enter a guilty plea to fraud and breach of trust charges on June 5, when sentencing arguments begin.

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READ MORE: Quebec MNAs resume sitting, former Liberal Tony Tomassi pleads guilty to fraud

His trial had been set to begin June 2.

The 43-year-old Tomassi faces up to five years in prison.

The ex-family minister was forced to resign in 2010 after reports surfaced he had been using a credit card provided by a company that received millions in government grants.

The charges related to allegations Tomassi received material rewards from the company between 2006 and 2010.