Springhill, N.S., man charged with child pornography offences

The RCMP logo is pictured in this file photo.

Nova Scotia RCMP say a man from Springhill, N.S., is facing child pornography charges following an investigation that spanned multiple jurisdictions.

RCMP Const. Mandy Edwards works with the Nova Scotia RCMP Internet Child Exploitation Unit. She said police worked with Homeland Security Investigations, the New York State Police, and a social media platform to gather evidence and move the case forward.

“We rely on our partnerships across the country and internationally to identify the people who produce and distribute child pornography and to get child victims the help they need from police and support resources," said Edwards.

In Sept. 2023, the Nova Scotia RCMP provincial Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit received information from the National Child Exploitation Crime Centre, Homeland Security Investigations, and New York State Police that a man from Springhill, N.S., travelled to the United States to meet with a youth for sexual purposes. It was believed the man returned to Canada with child pornography on his electronic devices.

In Dec. 2023, the ICE unit searched a home in Springhill where officers seized electronic devices.

On March 7, RCMP arrested 26-year-old Bryce Melanson and charged him with:

• luring a child
• possession of child pornography
• making sexually explicit material available to a minor

Melanson was released on conditions and appeared in court at a later date.

In late March, Homeland Security Investigations provided RCMP with information that Melanson was trying to communicate with the youth victim, in violation of his conditions and prompting a joint investigation.

On May 15, officers searched Melanson’s residence and subsequently charged Melanson with:

• uttering threats
• criminal harassment
• failure to comply

- intimidation of a justice participant

Melanson was held in custody until he appeared in Amherst provincial court on June 7 when he was released on bail pending future court appearances.

On Oct. 2, Police say they learned child pornography was transmitted via a social media platform.

Police executed another search warrant of Melanson’s home on Dec. 11 and arrested him.

The force charged Melanson with:

• possession of child pornography
• transmission of child pornography
• two counts of failing to comply with a release order.

He was remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear in Amherst provincial court on Jan. 28, 2025.

In Nova Scotia, it is mandatory for citizens to report suspected child pornography. Failure to report suspicious activity could result in penalties similar to failure to report child abuse set out in the Child and Family Services Act.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page.