A 15-year-old boy has been arrested and is facing charges in connection with an investigation into the sharing of sexual images of minors on the Acadian Peninsula.
The investigation began in November 2019 when police received several complaints of an individual using intimidation and threats to have girls under the age of 14 send nude photos through a social media platform. Police have identified several victims from New Brunswick.
On the morning of May 27, 2020, the Northeast District RCMP executed two search warrants at two residences in a community in the Acadian Pensinsula. A 15-year-old boy was arrested at the scene and several electronic devices were seized.
The boy was released from custody on several conditions and is scheduled to appear in Caraquet Provincial Youth Court on October 27, 2020. He is anticipated to face charges related to luring, possession, and distribution of child pornography.
"In light of the current situation in our province, young people are spending more time at home and on their devices socializing with friends," says Cpl. Sylvain Bergeron of the Northeast District RCMP. "The Northeast District RCMP is working closely with communities and local partners to provide guidance and education to families about online safety."
Additional resources for talking to your children about being safe online are available through the Canadian Centre for Child Protection.