Steven Frederick Nelson, 67, was due in Pictou, N.S., court on Tuesday for a bail hearing related to child sexual abuse material charges, but he did not appear. The judge was told Nelson has hearing difficulties and there were functionality issues with his hearing aids, meaning he would not appear from jail because he could not hear what was being said. Nova Scotia RCMP’s ICE (Internet Child Exploitation) Unit was tipped off by a social media platform in April that child sexual abuse and exploitation material was being transmitted through its site. Last week, a search warrant was executed at a home in Central Caribou in Pictou County. The RCMP says officers seized electronic devices and firearms from the home. Nelson was charged with two counts of possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material, transmitting child sexual abuse and exploitation material, as well as unlicensed possession of a firearm and unsafe storage of a firearm. “Then comes the examination of the devices,” says Nova Scotia RCMP Cpl. Mandy Edwards. “If you can imagine, a person who is seeking out child sexual abuse and exploitation material can do that before they’re sharing it on social media. “That could be instances where a person could be making their own or taking advantage of other situations. That’s why we want to speak to anyone who has a history with Mr. Nelson, who may have been a victim of this type of criminal offence.” The RCMP believes there may be additional victims, who are now adults, that could’ve been targeted, dating back several years, and investigators want them to come forward. The charges are alleged to have occurred between March 31 and April 3. In court on Tuesday, Crown prosecutor Bill Gorman said a replacement information – or new list of charges – is expected. The Nova Scotia RCMP tells CTV News that could mean more charges, or a correction of those already laid. “When it comes to reviewing evidence, such as the electronic devices that were seized, it’s potentially that more evidence can be located or different times of incidents,” Edwards said. “So that is quite possible.” Marko Simmonds, a Nova Scotia Legal Aid lawyer appearing for Nelson on Tuesday, said he’s not seeking bail at this point. Nelson’s case was adjourned until Aug. 24 for an election and plea hearing. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
