Former Fredericton police volunteer charged with sex assault, child porn offences

Fredericton Police Force plaque pictured on Nov. 26, 2025. (CTV Atlantic/ Laura Bronw)

A former volunteer with the Fredericton Police Force Auxiliary has been charged with sexual assault and offences related to child pornography.

The Fredericton Police Force says 56-year-old Robert Hartlen was charged following an investigation by its Special Crimes Unit.

Police say Hartlen was a volunteer member of the Fredericton Police Force Auxiliary between 2010 and 2015, but the alleged offences didn’t happen during that time.

Hartlen is due to appear in court on Thursday.

“In our commitment to transparency and accountability, we take all allegations seriously and are committed to ensuring all individuals are held to the same standard under the law,” said Fredericton Police Force Chief Gary Forward in a statement.

Police did not release any additional details and say further comments “will be limited in order to protect the integrity of the investigation and the privacy of victims.”

Auxiliary constables with the Fredericton Police Force are sworn in as peace officers and have the powers and authority of a peace officer, but only when accompanied by and under the supervision of a regular police officer.

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