The long-serving politician was relieved of his duties as Children’s and Education Minister after he was detained and questioned by States police detectives on Wednesday.
He was released on bail pending further inquiries during the evening after spending most of the day in custody.
The force have declined to reveal the alleged offence for which the Deputy has been arrested.
The JEP attempted to speak to the Deputy at his home in St Saviour yesterday, but an unknown man who answered the door said there would be no public comment.
‘We are not making a comment at this time. We have been advised not to,’ he said.
A short time later St Saviour Constable Sadie Le Sueur-Rennard was seen entering the property.
Speaking to the JEP later, she said: ‘I went there because he’s one of my Deputies.
‘The people in that area love him and I hope they continue to support him for whatever he’s being accused of.’
She added: ‘As the head of the parish it is my duty to stand by the people in my parish and to stand by my hard-working Deputy.’
When asked what the purpose of her visit was, she said: ‘I just wanted him to know that the Constable was with him, and that I will support him. Last time I looked you were innocent until proven guilty.
‘He’s a very good friend – in fact, most of my Deputies are. They work hard for the parish and I didn’t want him to think he was [out] on a limb and no one actually cared – because I do.’
She added that Deputy Maçon’s family were ‘absolutely devastated by all this’.
Following the arrest, Chief Minister John Le Fondré confirmed that he had personally taken over the Deputy’s ministerial responsibilities.
In a statement yesterday, Senator Le Fondré said: ‘I would like to reassure Islanders that we are wholly committed to putting children first and have made their safeguarding and wellbeing the government’s top priority. As the Chief Minister oversees all political responsibility, during this initial period of the Minister for Children and Education’s incapacity, I will temporarily assume his role.’
‘However, the ministerial team remains in place through an existing delegation, so Assistant Minister Deputy Scott Wickenden can discharge all the powers and functions vested in the minister. Assistant Minister Deputy Trevor Pointon retains specific delegated authority for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. These arrangements will remain in place for the foreseeable future, to maintain continuity in the day to day running of the department.
‘We will keep this arrangement under review, working closely with the department’s senior team, who are well-placed to continue the important work of putting children first.’
