By Jim Dumville
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, River Valley Sun
A 52-year-old Alberta man will face charges for illegally publishing intimate images following an investigation involving Woodstock Police Force’s newly formed Street Crime Unit (SCU).
Woodstock Deputy Police Chief Mark Bennett said the arrest resulted from several forces working together.
“The Woodstock Police Force is pleased to announce the successful culmination of a multi-jurisdictional investigation which resulted in the arrest of a 52-year-old male resident from Alberta,” WPF stated in a press release on Wednesday, Sept. 20. “The individual has been charged with the publication of an intimate image without consent.”
Bennett said the investigation involved WPF’s Street Crime Unit, working with police agencies from Alberta, Quebec and other New Brunswick police partners.
Bennett said the investigation and charges reflect the WPF’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of community members.
“These charges stem from the unlawful publication of an intimate image without the consent of the involved parties, a serious violation of privacy and trust,” the force explained in its release. “Such actions are not only illegal but also deeply invasive and harmful to the victims.”
The Woodstock Police Force urges anyone with information about this case or any other criminal activity to contact the Woodstock Police at (506)325-4601 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Three Woodstock police officers staff the Street Crime Unit, which went into operation on Sept. 6. Force veteran Staff Sgt. Jeff Matthews leads the plain-clothes investigative unit, which includes Constables John Morrison and Joseph Clements.
Morrison explained the unit would handle the follow-up and investigation of mid-level crimes, allowing the uniformed members to return to their patrols and other duties more quickly.
Woodstock Police Chief Gary Forward, during his report at the council-in-committee on Sept. 12, described SCU as a “dedicated unit” focused on investigations of frauds, break-ins and other significant and ongoing crimes.
Forward added the SCU, when necessary, would work with the Integrated Enforcement Unit on high-level matters.
With the expanding Woodstock Police Force quickly outgrowing the police station, SCU officers are housed next door in the former Woodstock council chambers at town hall.
The SCU office includes space for a bylaw officer and serves as a centre for meetings, training, operations and media.
