Michael Applebaum, ex-mayor of Montreal, returns to real estate despite corruption charges
Former mayor faces 12 charges related to real estate projects in CDN-NDG
Michael Applebaum has returned to the real estate world, less than two years after he was forced out of the mayor's office over charges relating to real estate transactions.
Imagine Realities features Applebaum as one of its real estate brokers on its website.
He has two listings — one in Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce and one in the Montérégie region.
Salvatore Sansalone, Director of Imagine Reality, said he first met Applebaum more than a decade ago, when they worked at Royal Lepage together.
"He is a real estate broker with a valid licence. Why should I not hire him?" Sansalone said.
"He's not convicted, we're not judges. Let the judges rule that in court."
Sansalone said Applebaum started working for Imagine Reality about six months ago, and he's been a great addition to the team.
"I've had people come in from Montreal West ... and neighbouring NDG, coming into my office congratulating me...That he's been a great character of the city. He's done great things," Sansalone said.
A dozen charges including fraud
Applebaum resigned from the mayor's office in June 2013, after he was arrested on a dozen charges including fraud against the government, breach of trust, and conspiracy and municipal corruption.
Quebec's anti-corruption unit, UPAC, has said the charges relate to real estate projects that took place in CDN-NDG between 2006 and 2011, while Applebaum was borough mayor.
According to court documents, UPAC investigators suspect that Applebaum was asking real estate developers for cash in return for zoning changes.
Applebaum maintains that he is innocent and plans to fight the charges.
Michael Applebaum did not immediately return CBC's calls.