Gatineau police charge six people in pedophile hunters investigation
Six people are facing charges for allegedly taking part in a "hunt" for suspected pedophiles in Gatineau, Que. over the past few months.
Gatineau police say the trends of so-called "pedophile hunters" first emerged in the city in January, and the investigators met with one of the people involved in the movement to search for suspected pedophiles to discuss the risks.
In a media release on Thursday, police said investigators have received a dozen complaints from residents either concerned about the situation or having been victims of an offence in connection with the actions of the group.
Officers executed five search warrants as part of an operation to collect elements for the investigation, seizing computer equipment, an improperly stored firearm and a small amount of cannabis.
Police said Thursday morning that after several weeks of investigation, officers arrested five people. A sixth person was arrested later on Thursday.
The suspects arrested are:
- Joey Chartrand, 25 of Gatineau, Que.
- Jessy Chartrand, 27, of Gatineau, Que.
- Normand Philip Payant, 26, of Gatineau, Que.
- Andre Chevalier-Robitaille, 40, of Luskville, Que.
- Liam Georges Dupont, 24, of Gatineau
They face charges of criminal harassment and intimidation. Joey Chartrand, Jessy Chartrand, Payant and Dupont also face a charge of distribution of child pornography.
Police say Melissa Breton, 25, of Gatineau was arrested late Thursday morning, and is facing charges of criminal harassment and distribution of child pornography.
"In no case can a person take justice into their own hands, even if they are the victim of a crime, whatever it may be," police said in a statement. "When a crime is committed, citizens must contact the police as soon as possible so that police action can be taken against the offenders."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors say capital gains tax changes will jeopardize their retirement. Is that true?
The Canadian Medical Association asserts the Liberals' proposed changes to capital gains taxation will put doctors' retirement savings in jeopardy, but some financial experts insist incorporated professionals are not as doomed as they say they are.
Something in the water? Canadian family latest to spot elusive 'Loch Ness Monster'
For centuries, people have wondered what, if anything, might be lurking beneath the surface of Loch Ness in Scotland. When Canadian couple Parry Malm and Shannon Wiseman visited the Scottish highlands earlier this month with their two children, they didn’t expect to become part of the mystery.
Fair in Ontario, flurries in Labrador: Weather systems make for an erratic spring
It's no secret that spring can be a tumultuous time for Canadian weather, and as an unseasonably mild El Nino winter gives way to summer, there's bound to be a few swings in temperature that seem out of the ordinary. From Ontario to the Atlantic, though, this week is about to feel a little erratic.
What do weight loss drugs mean for a diet industry built on eating less and exercising more?
Recent injected drugs like Wegovy and its predecessor, the diabetes medication Ozempic, are reshaping the health and fitness industries.
He replaced Mickey Mantle. Now baseball's oldest living major leaguer is turning 100
The oldest living former major leaguer, Art Schallock turns 100 on Thursday and is being celebrated in the Bay Area and beyond as the milestone approaches.
What a urologist wants you to know about male infertility
When opposite sex couples are trying and failing to get pregnant, the attention often focuses on the woman. That’s not always the case.
'It was instant karma': Viral video captures failed theft attempt in Nanaimo, B.C.
Mounties in Nanaimo, B.C., say two late-night revellers are lucky their allegedly drunken antics weren't reported to police after security cameras captured the men trying to steal a heavy sign from a downtown business.
Bank of Canada officials split on when to start cutting interest rates
Members of the Bank of Canada's governing council were split on how long the central bank should wait before it starts cutting interest rates when they met earlier this month.
Made-in-Newfoundland vodka claims top prize at worldwide competition
A Newfoundland-made vodka has been named one of the world’s best by judges at this year’s World Vodka Awards.