Former Saint-Étienne Mayor Gaël Perdriau Begins Prison Sentence for Sextape Blackmail

Gaël Perdriau, the former mayor of Saint-Étienne, began serving his prison sentence on January 7 following his conviction for blackmail linked to an intimate video involving a political rival. The Lyon correctional tribunal sentenced Perdriau to four years in prison, including one year suspended, along with a five-year ban from holding any public office. Perdriau, who held the mayoralty from 2014 to 2025, publicly described the ruling as a "terrible injustice" and announced his intention to appeal the sentence, expressing hope for reconsideration by the judicial system.

The case centers on a conspiracy involving Perdriau and three other individuals who secretly filmed the mayor's political opponent in a hotel room with a prostitute. The court found that public funds were used to finance this operation aimed at coercion through blackmail.

Alongside Perdriau, three others were convicted: former education deputy Samy Kefi-Jérôme and his ex-partner Gilles Rossary-Lenglet were each sentenced to three years in prison and have appealed their convictions. Pierre Gauttieri, Perdriau's former chief of staff, received a two-year sentence but did not appeal. The court ruling, issued on December 1, highlighted the group's coordinated effort to target a political rival using illicit means.

Perdriau shared his sentiments on social media, stressing respect for the judicial process while voicing his hope that the appeal will lead to a different outcome. The case has sent shockwaves through the political landscape of Saint-Étienne due to the grave nature of the blackmail and the involvement of high-profile political figures.

This development marks a significant moment in French local politics, with Perdriau’s incarceration underscoring the serious consequences of political misconduct. The appeals are pending, and the legal battle surrounding this high-profile case continues to draw public and media attention.