2016/1/20

Two Nova Scotia men are facing child pornography charges after separate investigations by the RCMP’s Provincial Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit.

On January 12 the RCMP Provincial ICE Unit, with assistance from the Technological Crime Unit and the Port Hawkesbury RCMP Detachment, executed a search warrant at a residence in Port Hawkesbury. As a result, 51-year-old Martin Ryan was arrested at his residence without incident and has been charged with Possession of Child Pornography. He was released from custody on conditions and is scheduled to appear in Port Hawkesbury Provincial Court on April 25, 2016.

On January 18 the RCMP Provincial ICE Unit, with assistance from the Technological Crime Unit and the Amherst Police Department, executed a search warrant at a residence in Amherst. Sixty-Four-year-old Roger Lirette was arrested at his residence without incident and charged with Possession of Child Pornography. Mr. Lirette was released from custody on conditions and will appear in Amherst Provincial Court on May 16, 2016.

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 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 tip line for reporting online sexual exploitation of children at www.cybertip.ca.

Source: Release