Seven individuals have been arrested and charged in connection with a violent kidnapping and assault in Tobique First Nation.
On the morning of April 29, 2024, members of the Tobique RCMP responded to a report of a kidnapping and assault that occurred in the community.
The victim, a 54-year-old woman from Florenceville, was kidnapped at gun point, held against her will and assaulted. She was treated at hospital with significant, but non-life-threatening injuries, and has since been released.
It was determined through the course of the investigation, led by the West District Community Crime Reduction Unit (CCRU), that a number of individuals were involved. A search warrant was executed on May 6, at a residence on Tobique First Nation.
Since May 6, police have arrested seven individuals in connection with this serious incident.
Between May 6 and May 8, the following individuals appeared in Woodstock Provincial Court.
- 34-year-old Jacob Perley, of Tobique First Nation
- 27-year-old Preston Sockabasin, of Tobique First Nation
- 33-year-old Adam Perley, of Tobique First Nation
- 32-year-old Keagan Paul, of Tobique First Nation
- 33-year-old Ashley Paul, of Tobique First Nation
- 56-year-old Troy Pelkey of Tilley, N.B.
- 36-year-old Sheena Sappier, of Tobique First Nation
In total, 62 charges were laid. These charges ranged and varied depending on the involvement of each individual, and include:
- Kidnapping
- Extortion
- Assault
- Assault causing bodily harm
- Administering a noxious substance
- Forcible confinement
- Possession of a prohibited firearm
- Pointing a firearm
- Careless use of a firearm
All individuals are remanded into custody, and are scheduled to return to court separately, beginning May 16.
The New Brunswick RCMP would like to thank the community of Tobique First Nation for their ongoing support and cooperation. The RCMP's Police Dog Services (PDS), and Air Services also assisted with the investigation and arrests.
The investigation is ongoing.