WESTVILLE
A Westville man has been charged with several sex crimes, after members of the Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit searched a local residence.
Brett MacBeth, 19, was charged with sexual assault, sexual interference, the production of child pornography and three counts of possession of child pornography after an Oct. 11 search at a Westville residence.
In addition to members of the Nova Scotia ICE unit, the RCMP Technological Crime Unit, Westville Police Service, Pictou District RCMP, the RCMP Special Operations Tactical Search team and the RCMP North East Nova Major Crime Unit also participated in the search.
According to information released from the Nova Scotia RCMP ICE unit, MacBeth was arrested at the home without incident.
MacBeth was remanded in custody after appearing in Pictou provincial court on Oct. 12. His next appearances will be in Kentville on Oct. 17, and Pictou on Oct. 23.
The RCMP is concerned there may be other victims, and has extended a request to citizens to contact the Nova Scotia ICE unit if they have any information.
It is mandatory in the province of Nova Scotia for citizens to report suspected child pornography. Anyone who encounters child pornography material or recordings must report it to the police.
Information released by the Nova Scotia ICE unit stated that failing to report suspicious activity and materials could result in penalties similar to those associated with failure to report child abuse – penalties outlined in the Children and Family Services Act.
The RCMP is asking anyone to contact the RCMP provincial ICE unit at 902-720-5340 if they have any information.
The RCMP encourages anyone who encounters suspected offences to report them to the local police, or by using the national tip line for reporting online sexual exploitation at www.cybertip.ca
