The RCMP Provincial Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit has charged a Middleton man for child pornography offences.

Between January and October 2022, the RCMP’s Provincial ICE Unit investigators received information from the National Child Exploitation Crime Centre concerning child pornography being shared on a social media application.

On January 18, 2023, the ICE unit executed a search warrant at a home in Middleton. Investigators were assisted by the RCMP Digital Forensic Services Unit, Annapolis District RCMP, Annapolis District RCMP Street Crime Enforcement Unit and Kings District RCMP.

Barrie Gordon Horsfall, 57, of Middleton, was arrested at the home without incident. Horsfall has been charged with Possession of Child Pornography (2 counts) and Transmitting Child Pornography. Horsfall was released on conditions which includes that he not enter playgrounds, daycares, schools, swimming pools or anywhere where a person under the age of 18 years is present or expected to be present. Horsfall will appear in Annapolis Royal Provincial Court on March 6, 2023 at 9:30 a.m.

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.

Source: Release