RCMP reaching out to the public following arrest for sexual offences
October 4, 2019, Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia . . . Inverness District RCMP has charged a man with a number of offences relating to an incident that occurred August 23 in Port Hawkesbury. Police are reaching out to the public in the event there may be more victims.
Port Hawkesbury RCMP responded to a call on August 23 that between 5 p.m. and 5:15 p.m., a man approached a nine-year-old boy in the washroom of a store, forced him into a stall, and pulled the boy’s pants down. The boy was able to get away and he immediately told a family member what happened.
Police and staff at the store searched the area but were not able to locate the suspect on the day of the incident. Police obtained a description of the suspect from witnesses and surveillance photos, and released the information to the public. Tips and information that were received by the police helped to identify the suspect. Police also learned that a similar incident had occurred on August 19 in Sydney. River. The RCMP was assisted in its investigation by members of Cape Breton Regional Police Service.
On October 1, investigators obtained a warrant to search the suspect’s home and arrested him. James Darren Peters, 49, of Lower L’Ardoise has been charged with:
- Enticing a Child from a Parent (2 counts)
- Sexual Interference
- Unlawful Confinement
- Sexual Assault
- Assault
Peters was held in custody and appeared in Port Hawkesbury Provincial Court yesterday. He was released by the court on strict conditions.
The accused held a position in the community where he had access to youth. The RCMP is reaching out to the public in the event there may be more victims. Police are appealing to guardians, parents and youth in the area to encourage anyone who may also be a victim to contact them. Inverness District RCMP can be contacted at 902-625-2220. You can also contact police in your local area for more information. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers toll free at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips App.