A 25-year-old man from the Red Pheasant Cree Nation is facing numerous charges connected to a Saskatchewan Internet Child Exploitation Unit investigation. On February 12th, the ICE Unit received a referral from the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children regarding videos that met the definition of child pornography that were being sold on a social media platform.

From the investigation led by ICE and the RCMP North Battleford General Investigation Section, a suspect was identified. On February 20th, the man was arrested on the Cree Nation, which is south of North Battleford. Investigators say one victim has been determined and their identity is known. Victim Services and other supports are being provided.

Police say the interaction between the accused and victim happened at the school on Red Pheasant Cree Nation. The 25-year-old was taking adult education courses through the school. The investigation is ongoing, including identifying whether there are any additional victims.

The charges for Blaisen Nicotine include sexual assault, sexual interference, indecent act and making child pornography among others.

This investigation was part of Project Steel, a coordinated, nationwide initiative targeting child sexual abuse and exploitation offenders, bringing together 63 law enforcement partners across Canada, which led to 106 arrests nationwide.