St. John’s man charged with luring a child over internet

A 29-year old St. John’s man was released on bail Thursday after being arrested on a number of internet crimes involving children — including charges of producing written child pornography.
Nick Jones was arrested Wednesday by members of the RNC/RCMP’s Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit after an internet luring investigation that began last month. He is facing six charges: two each of luring a child under 16, luring a child under 18 and making child pornography (writing).
The Canadian Criminal Code’s definition of child pornography includes “any written material or visual representation that advocates or counsels sexual activity with a person under 18 years of age.”
A single charge of making child pornography carries a potential jail sentence of up to 10 years, while a single charge of child luring is punishable by 90 days to 10 years in jail.
Jones spent the night at the lockup and was released on bail Thursday by provincial court Judge Lois Skanes. He’ll make his next court appearance March 16.
In the meantime, he must abide by a number of conditions, including that he report to RNC headquarters once a week, remain in the province, continue to reside at his downtown St. John’s address, have no direct or indirect contact with anyone under 16 years of age, remain away from places frequented by the victim, and stay away from parks, playgrounds, schools, pools, community centres and other locations children are expected to attend.
Jones is also banned from having an internet connection at his residence, owning or using any device capable of accessing the internet or digital networks, using peer-to-peer software, and owning or using any device capable of capturing photos, videos or audio recordings.
“Police encourage youth to be cautious of whom they speak with and what they share online,” police stated Friday in a news release about Jones’s arrest. “The internet can expose them to predators from all over the world.”
Police offered the following websites as resources for youth and caregivers regarding internet exploitation: cybertip.ca, protectkidsonline.ca, deal.org.