(St. John’s, NL) June 13, 2024 – The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary’s (RNC) Child Abuse and Sexual Assault (CASA) Unit has laid 63 additional charges in connection with an ongoing investigation into sexual violence on the Northeast Avalon.

Markus Hicks will appear in court today on sexual assault and child pornography charges related to 11 new complainants who ranged in age from 12 to adults at the time of the offences. He is additionally accused of multiple counts of identity fraud. In total, the 32-year-old is facing over 200 sexual violence charges against 35 survivors.

The investigation which started on August 23, 2023, unearthed tens of thousands of images and videos dating back over 15 years. Hicks, posing as people other than himself, was communicating with people online from all over the province including men and women ranging in age from youth to adults. He used many different social media accounts across multiple platforms.

The CASA Unit investigates the most sensitive of matters which include assaults against children and sexual assaults. Members of this unit are skilled investigators that use a trauma-informed, victim-centred approach that prioritizes the safety and well-being of all individuals. Survivors of sexual violence are encouraged to reach out for help from a trusted resource as soon as it is safe to do so.

Anyone with information to assist the investigation is asked to contact: trust@rnc.gov.nl.ca. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.nlcrimestoppers.com.

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File # 2023-48994

 

Cst. James Cadigan, #775
Media Relations and Public Communications Officer
Royal Newfoundland Constabulary
media@rnc.gov.nl.ca
709-729-8658