A man known to police in the Moncton area faces charges of sexual assault and sexual interference after an appearance in court last week.
Stephen Blackwood, 37, went before a judge on Feb. 2 to be charged with sexual assault and sexual interference connected to an incident at a school.
He was remanded into custody before his next court date on Feb. 10. Codiac RCMP say they are investigating to determine if there were other victims.
The charges come after Mounties arrested him on Dec. 2, 2022, for breaching the conditions of his release order.
In November 2022, the Fredericton Police Force began an investigation into reports of a man allegedly videotaping children in the pool areas of various hotels.
Police say officers arrested and later released Blackwood on conditions, noting at the time he faced charges of assault, sexual assault on a person under 16 and sexual interference.
According to a statement issued by the New Brunswick RCMP, an investigation found Blackwood allegedly committed similar offences in Moncton and surrounding areas dating back to 2018.
Mounties say throughout the summer of 2022, Blackwood frequented the Shediac Wharf and allegedly approached children to ask if they would perform a dance for his YouTube channel, where he is known as “Blamzooka.”
Investigators say there are also reports of similar incidents at Magic Mountain, Parlee Beach, hotel pools and other public pools like the YMCA and the Dieppe Aquatic Center.
Police believe there may also have been other locations.
The RCMP says Blackwood acted as a supply teacher between Oct. 26 and Nov. 4, 2022, for the Anglophone East District.
“This is still an active investigation, and we are working diligently to understand if there were other victims,” said Cpl. Hans Ouellette with the New Brunswick RCMP.
“We are asking parents to speak to their children if they attended these locations, or any of the schools that he taught at, and had interactions with him.”
Ouellette says complaints can be made at any time.
“If you are a victim of sexual misconduct, please contact us. You will be listened to, and you will be believed,” he said.
If you are a victim, or have any information related to these incidents or similar ones, please contact local police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
37-year-old man charged in connection with sexual assault; RCMP continues to seek possible victims , https://t.co/JnElSOLX1w #Moncton pic.twitter.com/y4hQJbjbkx
— RCMP New Brunswick (@RCMPNB) February 8, 2023