(St. John’s, NL), November 9, 2023 – The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary’s (RNC) Child Abuse and Sexual Assault (CASA) unit has laid 29 additional charges in connection with an ongoing investigation into sexual violence on the Northeast Avalon.
Yesterday (Wednesday, Nov. 8), investigators arrested 32-year-old Markus HICKS of Paradise and charged him with the following offences related to four new survivors:
- Five counts of sexual assault
- Five counts of disguise with intent
- Kidnapping
- Sexual assault with choking
- Two counts of accessing child pornography
- Two counts of breach of trust
- Four counts of making sexually explicit material available to a child
- Four counts of luring a child
- Four counts of arranging to commit a sexual offence against a child
- Householder permitting prohibited sexual activity
In total, the 32-year-old now faces 92 charges involving 14 survivors following an investigation that began on August 23 when the RNC received information related to the use of fictitious identities, social media applications, and concealment to arrange sexual acts. The RNC’s CASA Unit was engaged and a Major Case Management Team assembled to investigate.
The accused remains in custody awaiting a court appearance. HICKS has been linked to properties in Paradise and Torbay and investigators have linked him to multiple fake social media accounts.
Members of the RNC investigative team are available to speak with anyone that has information or questions. With a trauma-informed focus, the officers prioritize the safety and well-being of all individuals. A dedicated e-mail has been established to reach the investigative team directly. Please contact trust@rnc.gov.nl.ca with any information. You can also call the RNC at 709-729-8000 and provide information anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.nlcrimestoppers.com or by using the P3Tips app #SayItHere.
Anyone experiencing anxiety or crisis as a result of this information, please contact the Mental Health Crisis Line at 8-1-1. In addition, the RNC Mental Health Mobile Crisis Response Team will respond to a crisis where and when it occurs, and can be contacted at 709-729-8000. In the event of an emergency always call 9-1-1.
Parents and guardians should be aware that this investigation may create anxiety in children and youth who use various social media platforms. The RNC recommends taking this opportunity to discuss the associated risks of sharing personal and private information online. Everyone should be wary about speaking with people online that you do not know personally. Pictures and profiles can be fictitious and the person you are speaking with may not be who they seem to be. Please report suspicious activity and people to the RNC.
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File # 2023-48994
Cst. James. C. Cadigan #775
Media Relations & Public Communication
Royal Newfoundland Constabulary
media@rnc.gov.nl.ca