Dartmouth Man, 52, Charged With Luring a Child After RCMP Search

A Dartmouth man has been charged with luring a child following an investigation by the Nova Scotia RCMP Provincial Internet Child Exploitation Unit, police said Oct. 29.

According to the RCMP, the investigation began in October after police received a report that a 52-year-old man had communicated online with a youth for a sexual purpose.

Search warrant on Viscaya Pl.

On Oct. 27, officers from the Provincial Internet Child Exploitation Unit and RCMP Digital Forensics Services carried out a search warrant at a home on Viscaya Pl. in Dartmouth. Police said electronic evidence was seized.

The search was supported by:

• Halifax Regional Police
• The RCMP/HRP Criminal Investigation Division Integrated Internet Child Exploitation Unit
• The RCMP Southwest Nova Major Crime Unit

Charge and court date

Matthew Gavin Smith is charged with luring a child. He was released by police on conditions and is scheduled to appear in Dartmouth Provincial Court on Dec. 2. The allegation has not been proven in court.

Police believe others may have been targeted

Investigators believe additional victims may have been targeted online. The RCMP is urging parents and guardians to talk with their children about online safety and to report any suspicious activity or communication to their local police. Police also point families to supports and resources from the Canadian Centre for Child Protection.

In Nova Scotia, reporting suspected child sexual abuse and exploitation material is mandatory. Anyone who comes across such material must report it to local police or to Canada's national tipline, www.cybertip.ca. Police note that failing to report may result in penalties under the Child Pornography Reporting Act.

The RCMP file number is 2026-1516015.