News release
Individual charged following child sexual abuse and exploitation material
May 14, 2026
-
Fredericton, New Brunswick
From: New Brunswick RCMP
On this page
Content
A 56-year-old man from Fredericton, N.B., has been charged in connection with an investigation into child sexual abuse and exploitation material.
The investigation, led by the New Brunswick RCMP's Internet Child Exploitation Unit (ICE), began on December 9, 2025, when the unit received a tip involving the possibility of a child in danger of further exploitation.
In the early hours of December 10, 2025, members of the RCMP Internet Child Exploitation Unit, along with members of the Fredericton Police Force, attended a residence on Parkside Drive in Fredericton, N.B. on an emergency basis to locate and safeguard a child.
As part of the investigation, a 56-year-old man was arrested at the scene, and police seized several electronic devices as part of their investigation. The individual was later released on strict conditions pending a future court appearance.
On May 13,2026, Stephen Harpell was charged in Fredericton Provincial Court with:
-possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material
-production of child sexual abuse and exploitation material
-sexual interference
-voyeurism
-exposure to a person under the age of 16 for a sexual purpose
On May 14, 2026, Stephen Harpell appeared in Fredericton Provincial Court and is scheduled to return on June 8, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. to enter a plea.
The New Brunswick RCMP's Internet Child Exploitation Unit includes members from the Kennebecasis Regional Police Force.
If you are a victim, or have any information related to similar crimes, please contact your local police. Be a voice for children who are victims of sexual exploitation by reporting suspected offences to your local police or to Canada’s national tip line at www.cybertip.ca.
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.