Crans-Montana Bar Owner Arrested for Alleged Wife Assault Amid Fatal Fire Investigation

Jacques Moretti, the owner of the Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, faces a new legal challenge following his arrest in early August. He is accused of assaulting his wife, Jessica Moretti, an incident that reportedly required her hospitalization.

This alleged domestic violence case is unfolding while Moretti is already under criminal investigation for the devastating fire at his establishment. The blaze, which occurred on New Year's Day 2026, claimed the lives of 41 people and injured 115 others. Swiss media outlets Léman Bleu and RTS reported the details of the arrest, which occurred between August 11 and 12.

Moretti's legal team emphasized that the domestic violence allegations are a separate matter from the fire investigation. They described the incident as pertaining to the couple's private life and occurring during a particularly difficult period for them following the bar's tragic fire. The investigation into the fire itself is examining potential charges of manslaughter and arson by negligence, with authorities looking into whether sparks from candles ignited soundproofing material in the crowded basement bar.

Moretti is one of 16 individuals under scrutiny for the fire. The separate investigation into the alleged assault on his wife adds another layer of legal complexity as the inquiry into the deadly blaze continues.