RCMP Release:
Eskasoni RCMP has charged a man with ten child sexual abuse and exploitation material offences.
On November 19, Eskasoni RCMP officers responded to a report of a man causing mischief at a residence. Upon arrival, officers learned that a man had attempted to gain entry into a home to see a youth, who was inside.
Through the investigation, officers determined the man began a relationship with the youth in September; the relationship started online.
On November 22, Eskasoni RCMP, with the assistance of Richmond County District RCMP, safely arrested Ethan Arnold Battiste, 21, at his residence in Chapel Island. A search warrant was executed and an electronic device was seized.
Battiste has been charged with:
Sexual Interference (three counts)
Sexual Assault (three counts)
Making Sexually Explicit Material Available to a Child
Luring a Child
Invitation to Sexual Touching
Making Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material
Break and Enter
Uttering Threats
Mischief Under $5000
Fail to Comply with Undertaking
Battiste remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in Sydney Provincial Court on December 16.
Given Battiste’s online presence, investigators believe there may be additional victims. RCMP officers encourage other survivors to come forward by contacting their local detachment or police of jurisdiction.
If you have experienced sexual violence, you are not alone. The elimination of gender-based and sexual violence continues to be a priority for the Nova Scotia RCMP, and the RCMP employs a trauma-informed approach. Survivor support is available and you can contact us and discuss an incident before deciding to further participate in the investigation and court process.