A 28-year-old man and a 27-year-old woman, both from the Charlotte County, N.B., region, have been sentenced in connection with an investigation into child pornography.
The investigation, led by the New Brunswick RCMP's Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit, began in April 2023, following information received from the RCMP's National Child Exploitation Crime Centre (NCECC).
On April 4, 2023, members of the RCMP ICE Unit, along with members of the St. George RCMP detachment and the RCMP's Digital Forensic Services, executed a search warrant at a residence in Charlotte County, as part of the investigation. A man and a woman from the area were arrested at the scene, and police seized several electronic devices. They were both later released pending a future court appearance.
On September 5, 2023, several charges were laid against the individuals, such as arranging by means of a telecommunication agreement to sexually interfere, sexual interference, making of child pornography and possession of child pornography.
The 28-year-old man appeared in Saint John Provincial court on May 13, 2024, and was sentenced to 8 years in prison.
The 27-year-old woman appeared in Saint John Provincial court on July 9, 2024, and was sentenced to 8 years in prison.
As set by the Provincial Court, a publication ban was ordered to protect the identity of the victim.
The New Brunswick RCMP's Internet Child Exploitation Unit includes members from the Saint John Police Force and the Kennebecasis Regional Police Force.