Human trafficking, most other charges dropped against Iqaluit man
Mathew Pierce’s lawyer calls resolution ‘fair and just’
A man in Iqaluit faced numerous charges, including one for human trafficking. All the charges, except one for voyeurism, were withdrawn on April 15. (File photo)
A man in Iqaluit who was facing a human trafficking charge among several others said he’s happy to have his life back after most of the charges against him were withdrawn earlier this year.
Mathew Pierce was accused of seven offences, including human trafficking, one count of receiving benefit from human trafficking, one count of voyeurism, one count of publishing intimate images without consent, two counts of sexual assault, and one count of assault causing bodily harm.
The RCMP laid the charges on Sept. 12, 2022, stemming from incidents alleged to have occurred on Nov. 1, 2014, and Aug. 23, 2022.
A court order prohibits publication of any information that could identify his accuser.
Pierce, 34, was scheduled to stand trial in April. The trial was cancelled “for resolution” on March 27, according to court documents, and Pierce pleaded guilty to the voyeurism charge on April 15. All other charges were dropped.
Pierce described his acceptance of the voyeurism charge as a “plea deal” in an interview with Nunatsiaq News and said he maintains his innocence.
“I only took the deal to resolve the situation,” he said.
Pierce said he spent a year and a half in jail as his case made its way through court. He is now reunited with his family, which includes five children, and expressed relief at being able to put this behind him.
“I have a family to take care of and the public deserves to know I am not the monster they think I am,” he said.
Pierce was given a conditional discharge and 18 months probation that includes several stipulations, including that he remain on good behaviour and attend any counselling directed by his probation officer.
If Pierce completes his probation without any breaches or violations, the voyeurism conviction will be struck from his record, said Nathalie Houle, a spokesperson for the Public Prosecution Service of Canada.
“This outcome was fair and just given what actually occurred and the circumstances,” said Pierce’s lawyer, Matthew Shadley.
So if you’re innocent you’ll be taking the government to court then for being wrongfully incarcerated for 18 months?
Didn’t think so. Wouldn’t have plead guilty to anything if he was totally innocent. The truth is likely somewhere in between and people here are EASILY manipulated by people who know how to bend the truth.