An Amherstburg businessman who has pledged millions to charitable causes is facing an array of criminal charges — including pointing and shooting a gun.
Al Quesnel in a 2012 file photo. (The Windsor Star)
Alan Joseph Quesnel, 45, was arrested Friday and spent the weekend in jail, according to Amherstburg police.
He was released today on $100,000 bail.
Quesnel — who is president of The Athletic Club chain of gyms — is charged with weapons offences that include pointing a firearm, discharging a firearm, assault with a weapon, robbery, uttering threats, and mischief.
According to Amherstburg police, the charges relate to an incident that took place Jan. 6.
As a result of an investigation, Quesnel was arrested at his home on County Road 9 on Friday.
One of the conditions of Quesnel’s release is that he can’t attend Windsor strip club Studio 4 on Huron Church Road.
He also can’t contact the alleged victim — a male — or any witnesses named in court. He is not to possess any weapons and he can’t consume alcohol.
Quesnel posted a surety of $50,000. Two other men — one who shares Quesnel’s surname — posted $25,000 each. They did not have to deposit the money with the court, but made promises to pay if Quesnel skips bail.
After the hearing, Quesnel’s lawyer Robert DiPietro declined to comment on the case.
Al Quesnel (L) talks with Fr. William Riegel (R) at Assumption Church in 2012. (Nick Brancaccio / The Windsor Star)
Quesnel has donated large sums of money to the preservation and renovation of historic Assumption Church. In November, Quesnel increased his total promise to the cause to $3.5 million.
Mark Adkinson, a spokesman for the Roman Catholic Diocese of London, was surprised to learn of the charges.
Adkinson wouldn’t comment on Quesnel, but said that the $3.5 million pledge is of huge importance to Assumption Church.
“It’s the biggest donation that has ever been made to any building project in the diocese,” Adkinson said. “It breathes new life into the campaign.”
Adkinson said the diocese will monitor the case and its outcome.
Quesnel has previously donated $135,000 to build schools in impoverished Haitian villages.
In 2011, Quesnel was named Outstanding Philanthropist by the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
“I’ve been fortunate in life,” Quesnel said in a 2008 interview with The Star. “Some aren’t so fortunate. If you believe in God, want to do what he wants, and you’ve got something to give — you shouldn’t be selfish.”
–with files by Sarah Sacheli
Al Quesnel of The Athletic Club group (formerly Total Fitness) is shown in this 2001 file photo. (Dan Janisse / The Windsor Star)
