Just a day after a well-known Cape Breton clown returned to prison after allegedly breaching his release conditions, police are now investigating what they’re calling a suspicious fire at his home.
Police and fire crews responded to Dale Rancourt’s home on Highway 327 in Gabrus, N.S., around 4:15 a.m. Monday. It was unoccupied at the time.
According to court documents, the home is owned by Rancourt.
Rancourt, also known as Klutzy the Clown, is facing two counts of sexual interference and one count each of sexual assault and sexual exploitation involving a 15-year-old girl.
The 51-year-old man was initially released on a $20,000 bond and a number of conditions, including no contact with his alleged victim.
He was arrested again over the weekend for allegedly breaching his release conditions and remanded to the Cape Breton Correctional Facility.
“Currently information before the court is that he's alleged to be in a place where there would have been 18-year-old people or younger,” said Crown attorney Jillian MacNeil. “He also is accused of breaching the peace and good behaviour condition.”
The Crown wouldn't say exactly where or when the alleged breaches took place. Defence lawyer Mike Kuna would only say his client was dropping off items to a local charitable organization when a breach is alleged to have occurred.
“He's pretty upset,” said Kuna. “In his mind at this stage he hasn't done anything, nothing to warrant him being where he is.”
Rancourt’s bail hearing is due back in Sydney provincial court Wednesday morning.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Kyle Moore.
