Dominican Republic: Two Canadians convicted of sexually assaulting a child

A Canadian couple faces years in prison in the Dominican Republic for sexually abusing a child and making child pornography.

Adam Eric Pepper and Tracee Lynne Pepper, both 35, sexually assaulted a boy and used them to make child pornography videos in Jaracaboa, the prosecutor’s office said following the sentencing of two accomplices last week.

According to the statement of facts, the victim’s mother filed a complaint against the couple in 2021 after seeing images on the accused’s cell phone showing a boy under the age of 12 being sexually assaulted by Adam Eric Pepper. By gaining the mother’s trust, the couple convinced her to hand over her son to them and sign a document certifying that the couple would take responsibility for the child should any mishap happen to her.

The man, who has remained in custody since his arrest, threatened the victim that he would no longer be able to give gifts if he was jailed.

The woman, for her part, was accused of sexually touching a minor. He was also accused of filming sexual acts between the victim and another 13-year-old child.

Adam Eric Pepper was sentenced to seven years in prison. Tracey Lynn Pepper, for her part, faces a five-year work ban, during which she is prohibited from leaving the country.

According to Radio CHVN, the couple from Manitoba were missionaries for the Ontario-based “To Every Nation” commission.