The RCMP’s Provincial Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit has charged a Nictaux man with child pornography offences.

On August 10, 2023, the RCMP’s ICE Unit, assisted by Annapolis District RCMP, Kings District RCMP and RCMP Digital Forensic Services, executed a search warrant at a home in Nictaux.

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

Patrick Ciappara, 36, was safely arrested at the home. He has been charged with Possession of Child Pornography (2 counts), Transmitting Child Pornography (2 counts) and Making Child Pornography (written material). Ciappara was released on conditions and is scheduled to appear in Annapolis Royal Provincial Court on October 23, 2023.

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