NB- Police suspect arson in fire at home of suspect in pornography case

1-30-2009 New Brunswick:

TRACYVILLE, N.B. — Police say they suspect someone deliberately set fire to the home of a New Brunswick man who faces charges following a child pornography investigation.

Police were called to the house in Tracyville, south of Fredericton, around 10 p.m. Thursday.

"We hope this is not the act of a vigilante," RCMP Sgt. Claude Tremblay told a news conference Friday. "I know this upsets the community ... I understand that 100 per cent, but the public has to leave the police to do their work."

Tremblay confirmed that no one was living at the dilapidated two-storey building, which was left badly damaged.

"Burning the residence did not serve any purpose," he said.

The property belongs to Michael Gary Gilbert, 38, who was charged this week with production of child pornography, sexual exploitation and sexual assault.

The investigation was launched by Toronto police in late 2007 after photos allegedly showing minors engaged in sex acts were found circulating on the Internet. They were eventually traced to southern New Brunswick, police said.

Police initially said they had identified a lone male victim from the province, who was apparently under 18 when the photos were taken.

Investigators now say they have found additional victims - male and female - who were under 18 at the time of alleged offences.

Tremblay said police are still sifting through computer files and CDs.

Police are asking anyone with information to call the RCMP or Crime Stoppers.

Tremblay said police had completed their work at the home, and the fire did not destroy any potential evidence.

"We executed our warrant and our officers were there for almost a day and a half, and they vacated the residence with everything they needed," he told reporters Friday.

Gilbert waived a bail hearing Thursday.

He'll remain in custody until a court appearance Feb. 9.

On Friday, residents in the Tracyville area said people should not try to take the law into their own hands.

"Two wrongs never make a right," Andrea Alexander told CTV. "Burning someone's house is against the law, so I guess you can't do that."

Meanwhile, Kent Phillips said he doesn't approve of anyone trying to burn the home.

"That doesn't fix the problem...and that doesn't fix the situation," he said.

Almost three years ago, a riot on New Brunswick's Grand Manan Island sparked debate over vigilante-style justice.

About 40 people were involved in a melee that ended with the burning of a home - occupied by a man that residents believed was involved in the drug trade.

Four young men were later convicted for their role in the riot, and the man at the centre of the dispute was found guilty of threatening to kill his neighbours.
..News Source.. by The Canadian Press