Individual charged following child pornography investigation

The New Brunswick RCMP's Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit has charged a 49-year-old man from Moncton, N.B., with accessing child pornography, possession of child pornography, and making available child pornography.

The investigation began in November 2022 when police received information from RCMP's National Child Exploitation Crime Centre and the Toronto Police Services.

On February 14, 2023, members of the ICE Unit, Codiac Regional RCMP, and the RCMP's Digital Forensic Services Unit executed a search warrant at a residence on Worthington Avenue in Moncton as part of the investigation. Police seized several electronic devices and the 49-year-old man was arrested at the scene. He was later released on strict conditions pending a future court appearance.

On May 11, 2023, 49-year-old Michel Joseph Leger was charged with accessing child pornography, possession of child pornography and transmitting child pornography.

In November 2023, Michel Joseph Leger appeared in Moncton Provincial Court and a trial was set.

On October 7, 2024, prior to the schedule trial to commence, Michel Joseph Leger appeared in Moncton Provincial Court and plead guilty to possession of child pornography and making available child pornography. He is scheduled to return to court on December 6 for a sentencing hearing.

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.