Former French Senator Sentenced for Drugging MP With Ecstasy

• Jan 28, 2026

A former French senator has been found guilty of spiking a fellow lawmaker’s drink with ecstasy in an attempt to sexually assault her.

Joel Guerriau, 68, received a four-year prison sentence, with 18 months to be served behind bars, and was ordered to pay €5,000 in damages to Sandrine Josso, 50, for emotional distress, according to French media reports. The case stems from an incident in November 2023 when Guerriau invited Josso to his Paris apartment. He later admitted serving her a drink containing MDMA but claimed it was accidental and denied intending to assault her.

Josso, a centre-right MoDem MP, described the ordeal in court, saying she felt unwell after drinking from a champagne glass during what was supposed to be a celebratory visit to Guerriau’s home. “I had gone to visit a friend, and I discovered an aggressor,” she testified. She recalled trying to maintain composure, fearing that showing weakness could lead to further harm. With the help of a colleague, she eventually went to the hospital, where tests confirmed her blood contained three times a recreational dose of MDMA.

Guerriau told the court he had been struggling with depression and had intended to take the drug himself the night before, but accidentally served it to Josso instead. He expressed remorse, stating, “I feel sorry for Sandrine. I am disgusted with myself, with my recklessness and my stupidity.” He added that he wanted to speak publicly about the dangers of such substances.

During the trial, the court heard that Guerriau had conducted internet searches on MDMA and GHB, though he claimed to have no clear recollection of them. He was suspended as a senator when the charges became public and resigned in October 2025.

Josso, who has endured psychological trauma from the incident, has become an advocate against drug-facilitated sexual assault, joining an association led by Caroline Darian, whose father was previously convicted in a similar chemical submission case. Josso described the long-term effects of the assault, noting that she remains highly sensitive and vulnerable in her daily life.

Guerriau’s lawyers have announced plans to appeal the conviction, while Josso called the verdict a “huge relief,” marking a significant moment for accountability in cases of chemical submission and drug-facilitated sexual assault.

This case highlights both the legal consequences for perpetrators and the ongoing efforts by survivors to raise awareness about the dangers of so-called chemical submission.