Quebec man tells judge he set off homemade explosives for social media fame, money
Judge left puzzled as prosecution and defence seek 1-year community sentence
A man from the Quebec City area will be sentenced on Friday for the negligent use of explosives, after admitting he staged stunts to increase his social media views in hopes of making money.
Dominic Pelletier, 43, was arrested in February at his home in Stoneham, Que., following a police investigation into videos on Facebook and TikTok that showed him setting off increasingly larger explosions by detonating various objects.
During a search of Pelletier's home, Quebec provincial police seized pipe bombs, propane tanks, scorched aerosol cans, and ammunition.
Pelletier has since pleaded guilty, explaining that he was unemployed at the time and was attempting to gain online attention in order to monetize the videos.
Both the prosecution and defence have suggested a one-year community sentence for Pelletier, a proposal that left Judge Steve Magnan surprised.
"How old are you?" Magnan asked, already aware of the answer. The judge then commented that the idea of earning money this way would be hard to comprehend even for an 18-year-old, "but at 43," he added, leaving the thought unfinished.
Magnan reminded Pelletier that his actions had potentially put his life and the lives of others in danger.
"I was reckless," Pelletier acknowledged, adding that he now has a full-time job and has taken control of his life.
Magnan pointed out that for someone to serve a sentence in the community, it must be clear that they no longer pose a threat to society.
After reviewing the agreement between the prosecution and defence, the judge decided to take the case under advisement.
On Friday, Magnan will announce whether Pelletier will be allowed to serve his sentence in the community.
