Babysitter facing new charges connected to Montreal fire

Sept. 5, 2017, Montreal – A woman who allegedly left a baby alone in a Montreal apartment that caught fire is facing a new charge of obstructing police work.

Josee Milot pleaded not guilty in court today.

Police believe she started cooking something on the stove early morning last Thursday and then left the apartment when she was meant to be acting as the baby’s temporary guardian.

A Montreal police unit working nearby crawled through heavy smoke to save the infant.

Milot pleaded not guilty last Friday to three charges: unlawfully abandoning a child, criminal negligence causing a fire, and failing to provide the necessities of life to a child.

The 49-year-old was ordered detained over the long weekend after the prosecutor opposed bail as Milot also had separate pending charges.

Defence lawyer Antonio Cabral says his client will remain detained for the time being and attempt to get into a therapy program.