News release
Newellton man charged with offences in relation to Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material
April 2, 2026
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Newellton, Nova Scotia
From: Nova Scotia RCMP
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The RCMP’s Provincial Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit has charged a man with offences in relation to Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material (CSAEM).
In January 2026, the Nova Scotia RCMP Provincial ICE Unit was notified by a cloud-based service that CSAEM was being transmitted on their service.
On March 31, the ICE Unit and RCMP Digital Forensic Services, assisted by Barrington RCMP Detachment and Shelburne RCMP Detachment, executed a search warrant at a residence on Highway 330, Newellton, and seized electronic evidence.
As a result of the investigation, Francois Frenza, 64, of Newellton, has been charged with:
- Making Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material
- Transmitting Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material
- Possession of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material (2 counts)
Frenza has been remanded into custody with his next court appearance on April 7.
In Nova Scotia, it is mandatory for citizens to report suspected CSAEM; anyone who comes across it must report it to police. Failure to report could result in penalties similar to those for failure to report child abuse set out in the Child and Family Services Act. Be a voice for children who are victims of sexual exploitation by reporting suspected offences to your local police or to Canada's national tipline: www.cybertip.ca.
File #: 2026-148627