(St. John’s, NL) May 6, 2026 — The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) has charged a man in connection with sexual violence upon youths in St. John’s.
On Feb. 20, the RNC received a report related to sexual violence against a teenage girl. Throughout the course of the investigation, a second youth victim was identified. The RNC Child Abuse and Sexual Assault (CASA) Unit was engaged to investigate.
Monday (May 4), 37-year-old John Barber of St. John’s was charged and appeared in court yesterday on the following charges:
- Sexual Assault
- Sexual Interference
- Householder Permitting Sexual Activity
- Obtaining Sexual Services for Consideration from a Person Under 18
- Three counts of Luring a Child Under 18
- Four counts of Luring a Child Under 16
- Two counts of Arranging to commit a Sexual Offence Against a Child Under 18
- Two counts of Arranging to Commit a Sexual Offence Against a Child Under 16
- Failure to Comply with a Release Order
All survivors of sexual violence are encouraged to reach out for help from a trusted resource as soon as it is safe to do so. Members of the CASA Unit are available to speak with anyone that has information or questions. With a trauma-informed focus, officers educate and inform survivors of their legal and investigative options while also directing them to appropriate resources based on their individual situation or needs.
The RNC can be reached at 709-729-8000. In the event of an emergency, always call 911.
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File # 2026-11600
Cst. Stephanie Myers #874
Public Communications Officer
Royal Newfoundland Constabulary
media@rnc.gov.nl.ca