Jessica Moretti, co‑owner of the Le Constellation bar in the Crans‑Montana ski resort, has been formally charged with forging a document linked to the January 1 fire that claimed 41 lives and injured 115 others. The new allegation adds to existing manslaughter and arson‑by‑negligence charges against the French couple who owned the venue.

Forged 2015 Foam Invoice at the Center of the Probe

Prosecutors say the disputed invoice records a purchase of sound‑insulation foam used on the basement ceiling, a material they allege ignited when champagne bottles fitted with sparklers were popped during the New Year celebration. The invoice, dated 2015, was allegedly altered to hide the true buyer, according to the indictment. Jessica Moretti’s lawyers contend the transaction was genuine but recorded under a different name , insisting the paperwork bears no relevancce to the tragedy.

Victims’ Lawyers Call the Invoice a “Legitimate Question”

Representatives for the families, including lawyer Christophe de Galembert, argued that the forged document raises serious doubts about the Morettis’ transparency. “The invoice raises very legitimate questions,” de Galembert said, emphasizing that families have yet to receive clear answers. Yael Hayat, another counsel, noted the emotional toll on survivors, adding that Jessica Moretti feels unfairly criticized for simply surviving the disaster.

Couple’s Prior Legal History: Manslaughter and Arson‑by‑Negligence

The Morettis have been under investigation since the fire, facing manslaughter charges for the deaths of mostly teenagers, many under 16, and an arson‑by‑negligence count for the blaze itself.. they have been interrogated twice individually but have not appeared together since February, a fact highlighted by victims’ attorneys who worry about coordinated testimonies.

Broader Investigation Encompasses 14 Suspects, Including Officials

Swiss authorities have opened criminal probes into 14 individuals connected to the fire, ranging from former local officials to current employees of the bar. Lawyer Gilles‑Antoine Hofstetter described the Morettis’ alleged collusion as “the Everest of collusion,” suggesting a pattern of coordinated statements that could impede the truth‑seekiing process.

Unanswered Issues: Who Ordered the Sparklers and Was Foam Properly Certified?

Two critical questions remain unresolved: the source of the sparklers that ignited the foam and whether the insulation material met safety standards for a venue of this type. Neither point has been definitively addressed in court filings, and prosecutors have not disclosed any additional evidence linking the foam to the fire beyond the disputed invoice.

According to the court record, the hearing on Friday lasted ten hours, prompting criticism from victims’ counsel that the investigation is moving too slowly to prevent evidence tampering. The community continues to mourn while awaiting a verdict that could set a precedent for liability in Swiss nightlife safety.