A 31-year-old man from Shediac is going to prison following an investigation into sexual assault on a minor and bestiality in Caraquet.
Ricky Lloyd Dugas appeared in Bathurst Provincial Court on May 31, 2022, and was sentenced to nine years in prison for sexual assault on a minor, invitation to sexual touching, bestiality and failure to attend court.
The charges stem from incidents between February and April 2019 in Caraquet.
On June 25, 2019, police received a complaint of several incidents of a sexual nature involving a minor as well as an animal.
A warrant was subsequently issued for the arrest of Ricky Lloyd Dugas in relation to these incidents.
On July 14, 2020, Codiac RCMP arrested Dugas for the outstanding warrant while responding to an unrelated matter.
Dugas appeared in Caraquet Provincial Court on August 18, 2020, and was charged with sexual assault on a minor, invitation to sexual touching, and bestiality.
He was released by the Court on conditions, pending a subsequent court appearance.
Dugas failed to appear in court as scheduled on September 22, 2020, and a warrant was issued for his arrest. He was arrested again on September 28 by Codiac RCMP.
He appeared in court on September 29 and was released on conditions by the Court, pending a subsequent court appearance.
Dugas failed to appear in court as scheduled on November 3, 2020, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
On December 28, he was arrested again by Codiac RCMP following a tip from the public and appeared in Caraquet Provincial Court.
He was released on conditions by the Court, pending a subsequent court appearance.
On April 14, 2022, Ricky Lloyd Dugas was found guilty of sexual assault on a minor, invitation to sexual touching, bestiality and failure to attend court.
Dugas is on the National Sex Offender Registry for life and will be required to submit a DNA sample.
Following his release from jail, he will have to abide by conditions set out by the court, including not communicating with anyone under the age of 16, and to not attend any place that someone under the age of 16 is known to be, for a period of 25 years.
He will also be prohibited from owning weapons for life.
