A Red Pheasant Cree Nation man has been sentenced to six years in prison for what a judge described as “horrific” actions. Blaisen Nicotine, 27, admitted to touching two young individuals inappropriately and sharing child pornography. During Nicotine’s sentencing at Battleford Court of King’s Bench, Justice Brenda Hildebrandt condemned the disturbing nature of the crimes.
One incident occurred at a school on Red Pheasant Cree Nation, as per RCMP reports following Nicotine’s initial arrest. The police were alerted after the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children informed the Saskatchewan Internet Child Exploitation Unit about a video being circulated on a social media platform. Nicotine, who was taking adult education courses at the school, was involved in the incident.
During Nicotine’s sentencing, it was revealed that he filmed himself engaging in inappropriate behavior in a bathroom stall and then involved a young student who entered the bathroom. Nicotine proceeded to share the video on social media, reaching numerous individuals. Additionally, Nicotine engaged in sexual activities with a 13-year-old who misrepresented his age as 18 online, leading to a brief relationship involving sexual acts in a private setting.
The victims’ identities remain protected by court order, and no victim impact statements were presented during the proceedings. Despite the severity of the crimes, Crown prosecutor Danie Cillers and defense attorney Daryl Royer jointly recommended a six-year prison term for Nicotine. Both legal representatives acknowledged Nicotine’s troubled background, marked by exposure to violence, substance abuse, and victimization during his childhood.
Expressing remorse in court, Nicotine sought forgiveness for his actions and expressed a desire to change his ways. The judge accepted the recommended six-year sentence, emphasizing that Nicotine’s guilty pleas spared the victims from testifying and urging him to utilize available rehabilitation opportunities during his incarceration. After factoring in time served, Nicotine has approximately three years and nine months remaining in his prison term.