Michel Côté, a 73-year-old man from L’Isle-Verte, was arrested by the Sûreté du Québec on Thursday, October 22, in connection with an investigation into alleged sexual offences.
The arrest was announced by the SQ on Friday, October 23, after officers from the Kamouraska, Rivière-du-Loup and Témiscouata MRC detachments took Côté into custody.
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Michel Côté appeared in Rivière-du-Loup court
Côté appeared later on October 22 at the Rivière-du-Loup courthouse, where he faced two charges related to making child sexual abuse and exploitation material available and possessing such material.
The SQ said the alleged offences took place in April 2026.
The police statement did not provide further details about the circumstances of the investigation or identify any alleged victims.
As the matter is before the courts, the allegations have not been proven.
Côté is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Police seek information
The SQ said anyone with information about Côté or his alleged activities can contact the Sûreté du Québec’s Centrale de l’information criminelle confidentially.
Information can be submitted by calling 1-800-659-4264.
Police listed the file under event number 283-260408-002.
What happens next
The next steps in the case will depend on the court process, including any future appearances and decisions on how the charges proceed.
The charges announced by police are allegations only.
Court records and future proceedings will determine the status of the case and whether the accused enters a plea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Michel Côté?
Michel Côté is a 73-year-old man from L’Isle-Verte who was arrested by the Sûreté du Québec on October 22, 2026.
What charges does Michel Côté face?
Police say he appeared in court on two charges involving allegedly making child sexual abuse and exploitation material available and possessing such material.
When were the alleged offences committed?
The Sûreté du Québec said the alleged offences took place in April 2026.
Where did Côté appear in court?
He appeared at the Rivière-du-Loup courthouse on October 22, 2026.
How can someone provide information to police?
Information can be shared confidentially with the SQ’s Centrale de l’information criminelle at 1-800-659-4264.
Fact-Checked: Key facts were checked against the Sûreté du Québec’s October 23, 2026 official announcement and corroborating local reporting. ([sq.gouv.qc.ca](https://www.sq.gouv.qc.ca/communiques/delits-de-nature-sexuelle-arrestation-de-michel-cote/?date=ASC&utm_source=openai))
Disclaimer: The charges described in this report are allegations, and the accused is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.