Springhill man charged with child pornography, child luring in international investigation

A 26-year-old man from Springhill, N.S., is facing multiple child pornography offences following an international investigation that began in late 2023.

In a statement Thursday, Nova Scotia RCMP say the force's Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) unit was contacted in September 2023 by national and U.S. authorities that Bryce Melanson had travelled to the U.S. to meet with a youth for sexual purposes. The Mounties said at the time it was believed the man returned to Canada with child pornography on his devices.

Cpl. Carlie McCann said the force is not able to confirm the age or gender of the youth in order to protect their privacy. She added that Melanson does not work in a capacity that would put him into contact with young people and there is no information or evidence at this point to suggest any other victims.

RCMP conducted a search warrant at a home in Springhill later in 2023 and seized electronic devices. Melanson was charged with luring a child, possession of child pornography and making sexually explicit material available to a child in March.

Melanson was released on conditions and appeared in provincial court. But later in March, RCMP heard from Homeland Security in the U.S. that Melanson was still trying to contact the youth victim, which prompted a joint investigation with the American department.

Another warrant was executed at Melanson's home and he was charged with more offences in mid-May. He appeared in court again and was held in custody until early June when he was released on bail pending future court appearances.

More recently in October, the ICE unit was informed that child pornography was transmitted over social media, leading to a third search warrant being issued last week, again at his home. More child pornography charges were laid, among other offences.

Melanson has again been remanded into custody. He will have a third court appearance in late January.