On October 11, the RCMP Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit searched a home in Westville. With assistance from the RCMP Technological Crime Unit, Westville Police Service, Pictou District RCMP, the RCMP Special Operations Tactical Search Team, and the RCMP North East Nova Major Crime Unit, 19-year-old Brett MacBeth was arrested at the home without incident.
As a result, MacBeth has been charged with Sexual Assault, Sexual Interference, Make Child Pornography and 3 counts of Possession of Child Pornography. He appeared in Pictou Provincial Court on October 12 where he was remanded until his next appearance in Kentville on October 17, and Pictou on October 23. The investigation is ongoing.
The RCMP is concerned there may be other victims and are asking citizens to please contact the RCMP Provincial ICE Unit at 902 720-5340 if they have any information.
In Nova Scotia, it is mandatory for citizens to report suspected child pornography. This means that anyone who encounters child pornography material or recordings must report it to the police. Failing to report suspicious activity and materials could result in penalties similar to failure to report child abuse set out in the Children and Family Services Act. The RCMP encourages citizens to be a voice for children who are victims of sexual exploitation by reporting any suspected offences to your local police or by using Canada's National tip line for reporting online sexual exploitation of children at www.cybertip.ca.