While Chemin himself did not pull the trigger, his role in tracking Barresi’s movements enabled the criminal organization behind the brazen murder to carry out their deadly plans. Chemin has now pleaded guilty to participating in organized crime activities and firearms offenses, receiving an 8-year prison sentence. But how did an experienced criminal like Chemin get embroiled with dangerous gangs in the first place? And how did his actions pave the way for cold-blooded murder?

Lured by Money

According to Crown attorney Elise Quinn, Chemin’s motivation was purely monetary when he agreed to work for the unnamed criminal organization. He likely saw it as easy money, using his underworld connections to carry out jobs like placing tracking devices on targets’ cars. Tragically, he gave little thought to why shady groups might want to monitor someone’s movements and what grim purpose it might serve.

On two occasions, Chemin made the trip from Toronto to Hamilton to attach tracking devices to Barresi’s BMW and pickup truck. Barresi himself had links to organized crime, with possible ties to the notorious Musitano crime family. He was allegedly involved in illegal gambling and other underground activities. Whether Chemin was aware of who Barresi was remains unclear. But knowingly or not, he sealed the innocent father’s fate when he enabled the gang to monitor Barresi’s every move for their own sinister agenda.

The Night of Murder

On March 2, 2020, the tracking devices Chemin planted bore their deadly fruit. An assailant lay in wait outside Barresi’s Hamilton home, attacking the 42-year-old as soon as he stepped out of his truck. Barresi’s best friend Robert Bucciarelli later told the court his friend was shot multiple times at close range but tried to fight back before collapsing on the concrete driveway. Meanwhile, Barresi’s child witnessed the chilling exchange from inside the house.

While Chemin himself was not present during the murder, his role in tracking Barresi ultimately facilitated the brutal assassination. As Bucciarelli told the court at Chemin’s sentencing hearing: “You are pleading guilty to being part of a criminal organization that caused this to happen.”

Chemin may have seen it as just another paid gig with no direct violence involved. But in the world of organized crime, even seemingly innocuous jobs like placing tracking devices can have murderous consequences. And Chemin has now paid a heavy price for his complicit role.

The Web of Crime

Chemin’s arrest was part of Project Skyfall, a major investigation into drug trafficking and organized crime syndicates by Hamilton Police and the RCMP. When police raided Chemin’s Scarborough office, they discovered it was a veritable stash house for weaponry and tools of the underworld’s trade.

Inside a digital floor safe, officers uncovered firearms, ammunition, more tracking devices, and an “extremely lifelike mask” used for disguise. Chemin also had an extensive criminal record under another name, including a past conviction in 2013 for participating in organized crime activities. It painted a picture of a seasoned criminal player with longstanding ties to gangs.

At Chemin’s sentencing, Justice Joe Fiorucci noted these discoveries prove “he’s deeply immersed in the criminal subculture.” Chemin declined to address the court except to acknowledge his role. But the devastating outcome of his actions speaks louder than any excuses he could make.

Justice Served?

Now 42, Chemin avoided a first-degree murder charge after agreeing to an 8-year prison term and pleading guilty to the organized crime and weapons offenses. The Crown withdrew the original murder charge, acknowledging Chemin had no direct role in planning Barresi’s death.

But many will question whether justice has truly been served. An innocent man was killed over ties to shadowy underworld figures he associated with. And those who orchestrated the murder remain at large. Chemin may not have pulled the trigger. But without his integral role, Barresi may still be alive today.

The tragic murder stands as a stark reminder that organized crime destroys lives on both sides of the law. And even peripheral players who provide services to criminal gangs can become entangled in deadly consequences beyond their control or comprehension. Perhaps the next aspiring gangland operative will think twice before accepting an offer of easy money no questions asked. I sincerely hope you find this “Toronto Man Pleads Guilty to Assisting Gang Involved in Hamilton real estate agent Murder- What Really Happened?” article helpful.

Skylar Lacey

Skylar Lacey, a Travel and Tourism Management graduate from Temple University, offers 5 years of experience in travel writing and airport logistics at PhiladelphiaAirport.net. Her expertise helps travelers make the most of their journeys through Philadelphia International Airport. Connect with her on Instagram for more travel tips and insights.

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