Numerous disturbing cases involving the sexual exploitation of children were resolved at the Nanaimo court house in 2019. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

sex offenders

Top Stories of 2019: Sexual exploitation of children flood Nanaimo courts

Dec 30, 2019 | 1:47 AM

NANAIMO — The courts in Nanaimo in 2019 saw a surge in cases of children being sexually exploited. These disturbing cases by far draw the most furious reactions of any stories our newsroom covers.

Specially trained Nanaimo RCMP officers have been extremely busy over the past few investigating numerous horrific cases, which causes often irreparable damage to many people involved.

Several high-profile cases led to convictions via guilty pleas this year, which NanaimoNewsNOW reported extensively throughout the year.

In early March, a 42-year-old man whose identity is protected received a six-year prison sentence for child porn charges and sexual assault related to the abuse of a young child.

Four days later, Devon Schulz, 34, was given an 18-month jail sentence for taking advantage of a teenage boy with developmental disabilities. Schulz, a former group home manager, coaxed the confused teen into pleasuring him sexually.

new mayor

Spring Mayoral by-election called in Ladysmith

12h ago

holiday check stops

Nanaimo motorists shine during province-wide crackdown

15h ago

targeted job action

Striking Nanaimo postal workers disrupt Purolator operations

18h ago

Immediately following, a retired longtime Nanaimo RCMP officer who can’t be named was convicted to secretly taking pictures of his daughter-in-law while she showered. The disturbing voyeuristic picture-taking by the 72-year-old man took place over more than two years.

In late May, Shane Rodocker was sentenced to 3-years in prison for sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl for more than a year. Rodocker pled guilty to the charges, foregoing the need for a trial.

Just over one month later, Stephen Castelden, 50, received a 10-year prison sentence for the sexual abuse of his daugther-in-law while she was between the ages of four and nine.

Finally, late November saw Aaron Micheil Macrae, 33, begin a sentencing hearing for possessing and distributing a staggering amount of graphic child porn. Macrae also shot secret “spy” videos in public places in Nanaimo of underage girls. His sentencing hearing resumes on Feb. 26, 2020 when Macrae’s lawyer makes his submissions.

Several other cases of children being sexually exploited by Nanaimo offenders are slated to be resolved in the courts over the next several months.

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes