Canadian man guilty of sex crime against minor in Atlanta

Royce Eric-Bernard Rivard, a 24-year-old Canadian man, was sentenced to 60 years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple charges, including child molestation and enticing a child for indecent purposes. The case stemmed from incidents that began in 2022 when Rivard traveled to Atlanta to meet a 14-year-old girl he had been communicating with through social media. He exploited her interests to gain her trust, ultimately leading to the abuse that occurred in an AirBnb in Douglas County. The victim bravely reported the abuse to her parents in February 2023 after Rivard threatened her when she attempted to cut off contact. This led to the involvement of law enforcement, who detained Rivard at a U.S. port of entry in Michigan in April 2023 as he attempted to return to Canada. His actions not only traumatized the victim but also highlighted the dangers of online grooming and exploitation. District Attorney Dalia Racine praised the victim's courage in coming forward, emphasizing the importance of speaking out against such crimes. The case serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance in protecting minors from online predators and the significance of supporting victims in their pursuit of justice. Rivard's sentencing reflects the legal system's commitment to addressing child exploitation and ensuring that offenders face severe consequences for their actions. The case underscores the collaborative efforts of law enforcement and legal authorities in safeguarding vulnerable individuals and holding abusers accountable.