A 53-year-old man from Astle, N.B., has been charged in connection with an investigation into images of child sexual abuse.
The investigation, led by the New Brunswick RCMP's Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit, began in October 2022, following information received from the RCMP's National Child Exploitation Crime Centre (NCECC).
On October 19, 2022, members of the New Brunswick RCMP's ICE Unit, along with members of the Blackville RCMP and the RCMP's Digital Forensic Services, executed a search warrant at a residence in Astle, as part of the investigation. A 53-year-old man from the community was arrested at the scene, and police seized several electronic devices. The man was later released on conditions, pending a future court appearance.
On January 13, 2023, the following charges were laid against George Patrick Derrick Smith in Fredericton Provincial Court:
- possession of child pornography
- two counts of sexual interference
- sexual assault
- making child pornography
He is scheduled to appear in Fredericton Provincial Court on April 4, 2023.
The New Brunswick RCMP's Internet Child Exploitation Unit includes members from the Saint John Police Force and the Kennebecasis Regional Police Force. The RCMP's Digital Forensic Services Unit and members from the Northeast District RCMP are assisting with the ongoing investigation.
For more information on how to protect yourself and your children online, please visit the following links:
Cpl. Hans Ouellette
New Brunswick RCMP
506-452-4252