Thunder Bay Man Loses $1 Million Cash in Court Ruling Today

BREAKING: A Thunder Bay man has lost a significant legal battle to recover over $1 million in cash seized by police, marking a decisive ruling from the Ontario Court of Appeal earlier today. The court upheld a previous decision that deems the cash as “proceeds of crime,” following a search that revealed hidden stashes in his home nearly 16 years ago.

In a decision announced on October 30, 2023, the court ruled against Marcel Breton, who had been convicted for drug trafficking but was later acquitted after a retrial. The court found that the substantial amounts of cash, including $1.2 million buried in his property, should remain with the government due to their suspected connection to criminal activity.

The police search was initiated in December 2009 when authorities executed a warrant at Breton’s 17-acre property on Mapleward Road. Initially seeking a firearm, officers stumbled upon a staggering cache of cash. Reports indicate police discovered bundles of cash totaling $15,000 hidden in the heating ducts, and over $1.2 million concealed in a Rubbermaid tub beneath a dirt floor in a garage. An additional $32,000 was also found in the garage.

Justice Bruce Fitzpatrick, who presided over the case, confirmed that the manner in which the cash was hidden—bundled and buried—strongly suggested it was linked to illegal activities. The court’s decision noted that the most common bill denomination found was $20, often associated with the drug trade. Furthermore, Breton did not report any income to the Canada Revenue Agency from 2001 to 2008, raising further questions about the legitimacy of the funds.

Despite Breton’s claims that he acquired the money through legitimate means, including winning a lottery or running a vehicle repair business, the judge found these explanations dubious. “It is unusual for an average person to have such a large amount of money buried in tubs underneath their property,” Fitzpatrick stated in his ruling.

Initially sentenced to over nine years in prison in 2014, Breton’s conviction was overturned in 2018 following a retrial that highlighted procedural issues during his representation. The retrial concluded that the original search warrant was unlawful, leading to his acquittal. However, this acquittal left the fate of the seized cash unresolved, culminating in today’s ruling.

The implications of this decision resonate deeply, as it underscores the ongoing challenges surrounding asset forfeiture laws and their intersection with criminal justice. Breton’s inability to reclaim his funds raises critical questions about the balance of justice and the rights of individuals in similar situations.

As this story develops, many are left to ponder the broader effects on individuals facing legal battles over seized assets. The court’s firm stance on this matter is likely to prompt discussions about the transparency and fairness of such seizures in the future.

Stay tuned for updates on this case as more information becomes available.