The RCMP Provincial Internet Child Exploitation (ICE)Unit have charged a 29-year-old Maitland man with internet luring.

On February 6th, 2015, the Provincial ICE unit, with assistance from Lunenburg District and the RCMP Technological Crime Unit, executed a search warrant at a Maitland home.

Alexander John Ernst, 29, was arrested at the scene without incident. The investigation stemmed from a report from a concerned parent who told RCMP that the accused had allegedly contacted his 10 and 12-year-old daughters via social media. Further investigation allowed RCMP to identify two other victims who had been chatting with the accused, who had made arrangements to meet with him in person. To date, police have identified six girls under the age of 16 from the Bridgewater area that Ernst had been in contact with.

The RCMP believe the accused may have been in contact with more young girls from the area and are encouraging the public to contact Bridgewater RCMP at (902) 527-5555 with any additional information.

The accused was remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear in Bridgewater Provincial Court on Wednesday, February 11th, 2015 at 9:30 a.m.. The investigation is continuing.

Source: Release