On January 23, Annapolis District RCMP responded to a call indicating a female was being threatened by someone she met online. The suspect threatened to distribute fake photos of her online if she did not send nude photos of herself to them.
The victim went to a trusted adult and a parent, and in turn contacted the RCMP. Annapolis District RCMP, with the assistance of the Nova Scotia RCMP's Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit and the RCMP National Child Exploitation Coordination Centre (NCECC),were able to identify the suspect as a 14-year-old male from Bridgetown, on January 24. Investigators located him, and as a result of their investigation, arrested him and he is facing charges of Luring a Child and Extortion. He was released on conditions and is scheduled to attend Annapolis Royal Provincial Court on April 6. Further charges may be considered pending analysis of the accused's cell phone.
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 Child 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 tipline for reporting online sexual exploitation of children at www.cybertip.ca.
The investigation is ongoing.
File # 2020102877