Two Nova Scotia Men Charged in Child Sexual Abuse Material Investigations
Brenton E.W. Mitchell of Timberlea and Gary Kennedy Chisholm of Antigonish face charges following investigations into child sexual abuse material that began with a tip from the FBI.
Two Nova Scotia men have been charged following investigations into child sexual abuse material (CSAM) that spanned multiple jurisdictions.
The RCMP-Halifax Regional Police internet child exploitation unit received information from the Federal Bureau of Investigation on Oct. 1 regarding a Halifax-area man identified during a Tennessee-based investigation for posting CSAM online. Search warrants were executed that same day at the residence and business of the suspect in the Halifax Regional Municipality, leading to his arrest and the seizure of electronic devices.
Brenton E.W. Mitchell, 39, of Timberlea, appeared in Halifax bail court on Oct. 2. He is charged with sexual assault, sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching, and making, distributing and possessing child sexual abuse and exploitation material. Mitchell remains in custody and is scheduled to make his next appearance in Halifax provincial court on Nov. 26.
During forensic examination of the seized devices, investigators identified a man in the Antigonish area who allegedly communicated with Mitchell regarding the sexual abuse of a child. On Nov. 4, RCMP executed a search warrant at a residence in Antigonish, arresting Gary Kennedy Chisholm and seizing electronic evidence.
Chisholm, 49, of Antigonish, is charged with making arrangements to commit a sexual offence against a child. He was released on an undertaking with conditions prohibiting internet use except for specific purposes and banning attendance at places where children are likely present or communication with anyone under 18 or Mitchell. Chisholm will be arraigned in Antigonish provincial court on Dec. 23.
Const. Kelli Hennessy of the Integrated internet child exploitation unit stated that both investigations are ongoing and highlighted the importance of information sharing among policing partners.