Father and son face charges in southwest N.S. lobster-buying intimidation case
A high-profile lobster dealer in southwest Nova Scotia, Eric David Thibault, and his son, Zacharie David Thibault, have been charged with intimidating a buyer whose home was targeted in a shooting incident last weekend. The father and son duo appeared in court in Yarmouth, N.S., where they were remanded in custody pending further legal proceedings.
The charges against the Thibaults are not directly related to the shooting incident at Geoffrey Jobert’s home near Meteghan, N.S. Instead, they stem from an alleged confrontation with Jobert, where the two men reportedly threatened him. Jobert, a lobster buyer, believes the shooting at his residence was connected to organized criminals involved in the illegal lobster trade.
These charges come in the midst of escalating concerns regarding a series of criminal activities in the area, some of which are believed to be linked to the lobster fishery. The commercial lobster season recently commenced, further intensifying tensions within the community.
Provincial Fisheries Minister Kent Smith has raised alarms about organized crime activities in the region, attributing the rise in criminal incidents to illegal out-of-season fishing. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans has taken measures to address the situation through seizures and arrests.
Eric Thibault faces the possibility of having his bail revoked due to previous charges of intimidation and witness tampering. His son, Zacharie Thibault, recently served time for various offenses, including dangerous driving and threats. He faces additional charges related to alleged threats and extortion against Jobert.
Jobert, the owner of Lobster Hub Inc., has been vocal about receiving threats after transitioning to purchasing lobster from licensed harvesters. The shooting at his home over the weekend left property damage but fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Eric Thibault, known for his involvement in the lobster industry and affinity for luxury vehicles like a Lamborghini Huracán Tecnica, has a history of financial troubles, including bankruptcy linked to tax debts. RCMP authorities are working to address concerns of organized crime exploiting the lucrative lobster fishery, emphasizing the importance of community resilience against criminal elements.
The investigation into these incidents is ongoing, with a focus on ensuring the safety and well-being of the community. The RCMP is committed to holding those responsible for criminal activities accountable and restoring a sense of security in the region.
