Montreal lawyer facing child luring charges was fired from Université de Montréal in 2022

Daniel Rochefort, as seen in a handout by Montreal police. (SPVM)

A renowned Montreal civil lawyer who is facing child luring and sexual exploitation charges was dismissed from his teaching position at the Université de Montréal in 2022, Noovo Info has learned.

Daniel Rochefort, 72, was the subject of a formal complaint from a student who accused him of inappropriate behaviour during a networking event on Nov. 9, 2017, when he was a lecturer in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences as well as in the Faculty of Continuing Education.

The university’s disciplinary committee concluded that Rochefort had violated the anti-harassment policy. He challenged the decision but later abandoned the process, according to Noovo Info.

In the Sept. 25, 2025 decision from the Tribunal d’arbitrage, Rochefort acknowledged giving certain compliments to female students, “but denies having engaged in flirtatious or inappropriate behaviour.”

“He never sensed any discomfort and adds that, had he noticed any, he would have stopped immediately,” according to the decision.

In 1996, Rochefort founded Rochefort & Associates, a boutique law firm in downtown Montreal that specializes in labour, administrative, and commercial law. The firm’s website says he has represented clients before several high-profile public inquiries, including the Charbonneau Commission and the Gomery Commission.

Montreal police arrested Rochert on May 7 after he allegedly contacted a child under the age of 14 on social media apps like Instagram and Snapchat between 2007 and 2012.

He is now facing several charges involving a minor, including sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching, and sexual assault. He is also accused of child luring and one count of making child sexual abuse and exploitation material.

Court records also show that between May 1 and May 7, 2026, he allegedly communicated with an undercover police officer posing as a 12-year-old girl, in order to facilitate his crimes, according to the SPVM.

Police are concerned there could be other potential victims and are asking anyone with information about the case to come forward by calling 911 or the SPVM’s sexual assault unit at 514-280-8502.

Members of the public can also file a complaint at any police station. Information can be shared anonymously by contacting Info-Crime Montreal at 514-393-1133 or online.

With files from Noovo Info

If you or someone you know is struggling with sexual assault or trauma, the following resources are available to support people in crisis:

• Call 911 if you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety.
• The Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centres' website has a comprehensive list of sexual assault centres in Canada that offer information, advocacy and counselling.
• The Ending Violence Association of Canada‘s website has links to helplines, support services and locations across Canada that offer sexual assault kits.
• Indian Residential School Survivors Society crisis lines: [phone] or [phone] (24/7)
• Toronto Rape Crisis Centre crisis line: [phone] (24/7)
• Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: [phone] (24/7)
• Trans Lifeline: [phone]
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: call or text 988 (24/7)
• Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre for current and former Canadian Armed Forces members: [phone]
• Read about your rights as a victim on the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime website.