RCMP release:
The Nova Scotia RCMP’s Provincial Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit has charged a 43-year-old Digby man with child pornography offences, following the seizure of a child sex doll by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
On October 8, 2024, CBSA officers in Hamilton, Ontario intercepted and seized a child sex doll while examining international courier shipments arriving into Canada by air. The doll had originated in Japan and was addressed to an importer residing in Digby, Nova Scotia. Working with CBSA Intelligence Officers in Halifax, the seizure was referred to the Nova Scotia RCMP ICE Unit for further investigation.
On October 17, the RCMP executed a search warrant at the residence and seized additional child sex dolls and other evidence supporting both child pornography and smuggling charges. Officers then safely arrested Joseph Ryan Jolicoeur at the residence.
Jolicoeur has been charged with Possession of Child Pornography and Importation of Child Pornography under the Criminal Code and Smuggling child pornography into Canada under the Customs Act. He was released on conditions and is next scheduled to appear in Digby Provincial Court on January 6, 2025.
“Child pornography is most commonly known and understood as sexual images or videos of children,” says Cst. Mandy Edwards of the RCMP Provincial ICE Unit. “However, child pornography can also be written, or in audio forms, or as in this case, a visual representation such as a child sex doll. Child pornography in all its forms is considered harmful and is prohibited by the Criminal Code.”
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 criminal penalties similar to failing to report child abuse set out in the Child and Family Services Act.
The RCMP and CBSA encourage 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 tip line for reporting online sexual exploitation of children at www.cybertip.ca. Suspicious cross-border activity, including smuggling, can be reported to the CBSA Border Watch Line toll-free at 1-888-502-9060.