Montreal lawyer accused of luring child online, making sexual abuse material

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

A Montreal lawyer facing several sex-related charges involving a minor was arrested after he allegedly communicated online with an undercover police officer posing as a 12-year-old girl.

The Montreal police service (SPVM) is now looking for other potential victims after they arrested 72-year-old Daniel Rochefort on May 7. Police allege he contacted a child under the age of 14 on Instagram with the username “dannyrock16752” and on Snapchat under the alias “dannyrock201721,” as well as other platforms.

Since his arrest, he has been charged with additional offences, 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 following an investigation by the SPVM’s sexual exploitation and sexual assault units.

Court records show that the alleged abuse involving one child dates back to 2007 until 2012. He also unknowingly chatted with a SPVM officer posing as a minor between May 1 and May 7, 2026, in order to facilitate his sex crimes, according to the SPVM.

Member of Quebec Bar since 1980

Rochefort has been a member of the Quebec Bar since 1980. According to his website, in 1996, he founded Rochefort & Associates, a boutique law firm in downtown Montreal that specializes in labour, administrative, and commercial law. The site says he has also represented clients before several public inquiries, including the Charbonneau Commission and the Gomery Commission.

On Wednesday, police released photos of Rochefort in a news release “since his appearance has changed over the years.”

“Investigators from the two specialized units have reason to believe that Daniel Rochefort may have had other victims,” police said in the release.

Rochefort is described as a white man who is approximately five feet six inches tall, weighing about 169 pounds, with white hair and blue eyes.

Anyone who might have been a victim of Rochefort is asked to call 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.

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.