Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
A 20-year-old man from Évangéline, N.B., has been sentenced in connection with an investigation into child pornography.
The investigation, led by the New Brunswick RCMP’s Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit, began in June 2022, following information received from the RCMP’s National Child Exploitation Crime Centre.
Through the investigation, it was discovered that the same man was also a suspect in connection with another investigation led by the Caraquet RCMP, related to the modification and the sharing of photos of youths online in a sexually explicit manner.
On December 13, 2022, members of the New Brunswick RCMP ICE Unit, the Northeast RCMP and the RCMP’s Digital Forensic Services, executed a search warrant at a residence on Route 345 in Évangéline. A man, who was 18-years-old at the time was arrested at the scene, and police seized several electronic devices as part of their investigation. He was later released on conditions, pending a future court appearance.
On May 10, 2023, Keith Gionet McLaughlin appeared in Bathurst Provincial Court and was charged with possession of child pornography and transmitting child pornography.
On August 8, 2024, Keith Gionet McLaughlin, appeared in Bathurst Provincial Court and plead guilty to all charges. Subsequent to their ongoing investigation, he was also charged making child pornography on August 24, 2024.
On November 14, 2024, Keith Gionet McLaughlin was sentenced to two years in a federal correctional facility. He was also ordered to register with the National Sex Offender Registry for 20 years and to provide a DNA sample.
Following his release from prison, he will have to abide by conditions set out by the court, including not communicating with anyone under the age of 16, and to not attend any place that someone under the age of 16 is known to be for a period of 10 years.
“It is against the law to produce, possess or transmit sexually explicit photos of youths of any kind,” says Cpl. Hans Ouellette of the New Brunswick RCMP. “This includes, but is not limited to, modifying photos using artificial intelligence or by other means. The ICE unit works very diligently to locate, assist and support victims of online sexual abuse, and to identify those who are criminally responsible.”
The New Brunswick RCMP’s Internet Child Exploitation Unit includes members from the Saint John Police Force and the Kennebecasis Regional Police Force.
If you are a victim, or have any information related to similar crimes, please contact your local police. If you have information that may assist an investigation and would like to remain anonymous, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), by downloading the secure P3 Mobile App, or by Secure Web Tips at www.crimenb.ca.