Businessman Frank Stronach Faces Sex Assault Trial

Businessman Frank Stronach is set to go to trial in Toronto on multiple charges, including sexual assault. His defense lawyer has raised questions about how the prosecution prepared witnesses. The trial is scheduled to begin in February 2026.
By Newsroom | Crime, Canada |

The legal proceedings against businessman Frank Stronach, who faces multiple charges of sexual assault and forcible confinement, have begun in Toronto. The defense, led by lawyer Leora Shemesh, has adopted a combative stance, characterizing the prosecution's approach as flawed. The trial, initially set to start earlier, has faced delays, with its current commencement in February 2026 set for a judge-alone hearing.

Frank Stronach's fierce defence: Billionaire's combative lawyer sets tone for his sex assault trial - 1

Frank Stronach, the 93-year-old founder of auto parts giant Magna International, stands accused of serious offenses. The charges, which include sexual assault and forcible confinement, involve multiple complainants and some date back decades. Stronach has pleaded not guilty to all allegations.

Frank Stronach's fierce defence: Billionaire's combative lawyer sets tone for his sex assault trial - 2

  • The case involves 12 charges in Toronto, with separate proceedings scheduled in York Region.

  • Stronach was initially arrested in June 2024.

  • The decision to proceed with a judge-alone trial, rather than a jury, was made with the consent of the Crown.

Defense Strategy and Courtroom Tactics

Leora Shemesh, Stronach's defense lawyer, has actively shaped the courtroom environment and challenged the prosecution's conduct. Her approach has been described as direct and assertive, with a focus on the preparation of witnesses.

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Frank Stronach's fierce defence: Billionaire's combative lawyer sets tone for his sex assault trial - 3

  • Shemesh has questioned the Crown's methods in preparing complainants, suggesting they may have been improperly influenced.

  • She cited instances where a complainant allegedly had memory gaps regarding the events and based previous statements on past habits and behavior.

  • The defense has argued that the Crown's witness preparation crossed a line, a claim the prosecution denies.

"It’s archaic,” Shemesh said as she moved it into place, but it suited her, gave her a direct line of sight to her target. Her spot gives her a more direct view of the witness, but there is no podium there and the main one doesn’t move. Like many of her answers, this one invited further questions. She was arranging the courtroom to her advantage, down to the level of the furniture.

Prosecution's Position

The Crown, represented by David Tice and other prosecutors, maintains that their actions in preparing witnesses were standard practice and did not constitute an abuse of process.

Read More: Frank Stronach Trial Delayed Over Witness Questions

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  • They assert that prosecutors went "beyond what’s required to ensure proper witness preparation."

  • The Crown has countered the defense's claims, stating that questions asked during witness preparation were in line with standard procedures.

Crown attorney David Tice, appearing on behalf of the two trial crowns, told Superior Court Justice Anne Molloy on Thursday that no abuse of process occurred, and that prosecutors Jelena Vlacic and Julia Bellehumeur went beyond what’s required to ensure proper witness preparation.

Trial Delays and Scheduling

The trial has experienced several delays, impacting its progression.

  • The commencement of the trial was pushed back, with initial dates being rescheduled.

  • The current schedule places the trial for February 2026.

  • Stronach faces a separate jury trial on other sex assault charges in Newmarket later in the year.

Nature of the Charges

The accusations against Frank Stronach encompass serious offenses, with some allegations dating back many years.

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  • The charges include sexual assault and indecent assault.

  • Some accusations stem from events that occurred decades prior to the charges being laid.

  • Stronach has consistently denied all allegations.

Key Entities and Their Involvement

  • Frank Stronach: The 93-year-old businessman and founder of Magna International, facing multiple sex assault charges.

  • Leora Shemesh: Stronach's defense lawyer, known for her assertive courtroom tactics.

  • Magna International: The auto parts company founded by Stronach. The company has stated he no longer has operational involvement.

  • The Stronach Group: Similar to Magna, the group has also indicated Stronach's lack of current operational involvement.

  • Crown Attorneys (David Tice, Jelena Vlacic, Julia Bellehumeur): Representing the prosecution.

  • Superior Court Justice Anne Molloy: Presiding over the Toronto trial.

  • Ontario Court Justice Jacqueline Freeman: Made a ruling committing Stronach to trial on two specific charges after a preliminary inquiry.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What charges does Frank Stronach face?
Frank Stronach faces multiple charges, including sexual assault and forcible confinement. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Q: When will the trial start?
The trial is scheduled to begin in February 2026 in Toronto. He faces another trial later that year in York Region.
Q: What is the defense's main argument?
The defense lawyer claims the prosecution improperly prepared witnesses and may have influenced their statements. The prosecution denies this.
Q: How many charges are there?
There are 12 charges in Toronto, with more in York Region. Some allegations are from many years ago.