Poker News

Former world poker champion Jonathan Duhamel finally had something to cheer today - when police found $80,000 that was violently stolen from him last year.

The 24-year-old was tied up and attacked by two men at his home on December 21.

He was rushed to hospital as thieves made off with $160,000 in cash, a Rolex watch worth $10,000 and his coveted World Series of Poker bracelet.

But after an anonymous tip-off, detectives in Longueuil, Quebec today found a padded envelope containing half the cash in a disused mail can in woods near his home.

There was no sign of the rest of the money, or Duhamel's missing watch and bracelet.

It came as Duhamel gave his first interview about the attack on Canadian TV, still bearing a swollen black eye from the assault.

His ex-girlfriend, who was already on probation for a driving offence, and two alleged male accomplices have since been arrested in connection with the theft.

Judge Rock Belisle, from the Longueuil Palce of Justice, last month refused Duhamel's ex 20-year-old Bianca Rojas-Latraverse bail.

She is accused of masterminding the attack on Duhamel and the judge claimed her alibi - that she wasn't in town - was "not very convincing".  

He told her: "Your [alleged] role in planning the robbery was crucial. You must assume responsibility for what happened."  

John-Stephen Clark-Lemay, 22, as also remanded in custody although a third defendent, Anthony Bourque, 20, was granted bail.

Prior to the arrests, Duhamel had offered up to $10,000 as a reward for information leading to the conviction of his assailants.

At the time, he said: "After they threatened to kill me I gave them all I had.

"They then tied me up and beat me, hitting me in the face and all over my body before leaving my house.

"I'm black and blue all over but no broken bones, no blood clots, nothing to worry about.

"I am exhausted, both physically and mentally but I’m happy to be alive."

Duhamel has refused to hide away since the attack and has continued to play live poker, fulfilling sponsorship commitments in Montreal and most recently Paris.