The RCMP Provincial Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit has charged a Chapel Island man with child pornography offences.

On February 8, the RCMP’s ICE Unit, assisted by Richmond County District RCMP and RCMP Digital Forensic Services, executed a search warrant at a home on Chapel Island, Potlotek First Nation.

Investigators were directed to the residence after a social media application notified law enforcement that child pornography was transmitted on their service.

As a result of the search and subsequent investigation, William Johnson Burke, 28, was safely arrested at the home. He has been charged with Possession of Child Pornography (2 counts) and Transmitting Child Pornography.

Johnson Burke was released on conditions and is scheduled to appear in Port Hawkesbury Provincial court on April 11, 2024.

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.

Via RCMP