(St. John’s, NL), September 7, 2023 – The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) Child Abuse and Sexual Assault (CASA) unit made an arrest following an investigation into sexual violence on the Northeast Avalon.
On August 23, 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 was assembled to investigate. A residence located in Paradise was seized in connection with the investigation and a judicial authorization to search the property was obtained.
On Wednesday (Sept. 6) at 2 p.m., the RNC arrested 32-year-old Markus HICKS of Paradise who was later charged with sexual assault. The accused was held in custody to appear in Provincial Court.
The investigation remains active and the RNC is encouraging anyone who communicated with Isabella Ricci, username bellaricci4, or Corinne Smith, username smittycor15, to come forward. Those with information will be put in contact directly with the investigative team who, using a trauma-informed approach, are focused on safety and well-being.
The Journey Project, an initiative of the Public Legal Information Association of NL and the NL Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre, is a reliable support for survivors of sexual violence. Legal Support Navigators are available to help survivors navigate the justice system. Please visit The Journey Project to learn more.
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.
The RNC request that anyone with information that may assist this investigation contact the RNC at 709-729-8000 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). You can now provide information anonymously on the NL Crime Stoppers Website at www.nlcrimestoppers.com or use the P3Tips app #SayItHere
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File # 2023-48994
Cst. James. C. Cadigan #775
Media Relations & Public Communication
Royal Newfoundland Constabulary
media@rnc.gov.nl.ca