Saskatchewan RCMP has charged a 25-year-old man with multiple sexual offences, including making and distributing child pornography. They are also looking for other possible victims.
The Saskatchewan Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit started an investigation on Feb. 12 after a referral from the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The referral involved videos sold on a social media platform that met the definition of child pornography.
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“An investigation began immediately,” said the RCMP in a statement. The ICE Unit and North Battleford General Investigation Section (GIS) led the investigation.
On Feb. 20, the RCMP’s North Battleford Crime Reduction Team arrested Blaisen Nicotine, 25, of Red Pheasant Cree Nation. The arrest took place at a residence on Red Pheasant Cree Nation, about 33 kilometres south of North Battleford.
Nicotine faces several charges under the Criminal Code, including:
- Sexual assault (Section 271)
- Sexual interference (Section 151)
- Invitation to sexual touching (Section 152)
- Indecent act (Section 173)
- Making child pornography (Section 163.1(2))
- Distributing child pornography (Section 163.1(3))
- Possessing child pornography (Section 163.1(4))
Nicotine first appeared in court on Feb. 21. He will appear next in a North Battleford court room on March 7.
Police said the interaction between the accused and the victim took place at a school on Red Pheasant Cree Nation. Nicotine was enrolled in adult education courses there.
The investigation has identified one victim so far. Victim Services and other supports are being provided. The investigation is ongoing, and police are working to determine if there are more victims.
“If officers determine there may be other victims, necessary steps will be taken to identify and notify the guardians of those individuals,” said the RCMP. “This may include the release of additional information to the public to help further the investigation.”
The courts ordered a publication ban on proceedings to protect the victim’s identity.
The RCMP encourages anyone with information about sexual offences to contact them at 310-RCMP. Crime stoppers is an alternative if you want to provide annonymous tips call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.
“Sexual assault is a serious crime, and the Saskatchewan RCMP investigates every complaint thoroughly, with the utmost professionalism and care,” said the RCMP.
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