A 53-year-old man from Astle, north of Fredericton, has been charged in connection with an investigation into images of child sexual abuse.

Mounties began investigating in October 2022 following information received from the RCMP’s National Child Exploitation Crime Centre (NCECC).

On October 19, police carried out a search warrant at a home in Astle as part of the investigation.

A 53-year-old man from the community was arrested at the scene and police seized several electronic devices.

The man was later released on conditions, pending a future court appearance.

On January 13, George Patrick Derrick Smith was charged with the following:

• possession of child pornography
• two counts of sexual interference
• sexual assault
• making child pornography

He is scheduled to appear in Fredericton Provincial Court on April 4.