Québec mayor denies theft allegations over Bacardi bottles

Sainte-Anne-des-Lacs Mayor John Dalzell, 80, has been charged with theft after allegedly taking bottles of Bacardi from a Québec liquor store without paying. The case has drawn attention because Dalzell is the leader of a small municipality and formerly served as a deputy police chief.

Prosecutors allege the thefts happened on five visits to a Société des alcools du Québec store, on 28 October, 11 November and 29 November last year, and 3 February this year; the article does not give a date for the fifth alleged visit. Dalzell has pleaded not guilty and is due back in court on 22 January. The municipality has about 4,000 residents, and a regional council spokesperson said the council was aware of the charges and took the situation seriously.