Former Air Cadet instructor charged with sex offences involving a minor: N.B. RCMP

The RCMP logo is seen in Surrey, B.C., on Thursday, March 16, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

New Brunswick RCMP says a man who used to work as a civilian instructor for the 333 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron has been charged following an investigation into sexual offences in Oromocto, N.B.

Police say members of the Oromocto RCMP detachment started investigating on June 16 after receiving a report that a man had “conducted himself in an inappropriate manner with underage persons.”

The RCMP says the man from Lincoln, N.B., was arrested in connection with the investigation on July 15. He was later released on conditions, including not to be in any private dwelling alone with a person under the age of 18 unless accompanied by an adult.

The following charges were laid against John Higgins in Fredericton provincial court on Monday:

• invitation to sexual touching
• indecent exposure
• sexual exploitation of a young person
• providing liquor to a person under the age of 19

Higgins was released and must continue to adhere to several conditions, said police. He will return to court on Nov. 26.

RCMP looking for other potential victims

Throughout the course of the investigation, police said they have determined that there may be other potential victims.

RCMP said John Higgins was employed as a civilian instructor for the 333 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron and also supported the 334 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadrons. He worked in Oromocto until May 2025, when his employment was terminated as a result of the investigation.

“This is still an active investigation, and we are working diligently to understand if there were other victims,” said Cpl. Scott Morrison with the New Brunswick RCMP in a news release. “Sexual assault is a serious crime, and the New Brunswick RCMP investigates every complaint thoroughly, with the utmost professionalism and care. A complaint for sexual offences can be made at any time, no matter how far back the incident happened.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact their local police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.