MONCTON, N.B. — A series of mass emails that contained naked photos of a female university student have prompted a police investigation in New Brunswick.
RCMP Staff Sgt. Eric Larose said police received numerous complaints from University of Moncton students between Saturday and Sunday.
Larose said the victim was interviewed and a suspect had been identified, but he would not elaborate.
Roxann Guerrette, president of the university's student union, said roughly 1,000 students and staff received multiple emails over the weekend that contained a threatening message directed at the university, and intimate images of a female student.
"I am completely disgusted," said Guerrette in a phone interview Tuesday. "I think it's very alarming that someone wanted to destroy someone else's life just because of jealousy."
In one email, the sender said they were living in Morocco, so "catch me if you can."
"I'm not afraid of no one, and I'm taking all my responsibilities. I didn't do anything wrong. I just showed you the reality of this girl who is acting as an innocent person but with devil's acts," said an email provided to The Canadian Press by Guerrette.
The email ended: "This is just a warning for the 'University' of Moncton because I'm coming back to play with you guys. See you around."
Guerrette said the school has assured students and staff that no personal information was leaked and that it is safe to come to the campus.
The University of Moncton said support services were being provided to the victim.
“We condemn these actions which contravene the right to a respectful, healthy and safe environment for work and studies,” school president and vice-chancellor Raymond Theberge said in a statement.
“We ask that everyone join our efforts for awareness and prevention against rape culture and condemn all forms of sexual violence.”
Guerrette said the student union was organizing a campaign to talk about sexual harassment.
"Most students are scared for the victim. They're scared for her safety. It's a very traumatic event," said Guerrette.
"But no one has shamed the victim and no one is spreading the culture of sexual harassment. It's not her fault ... and I'm proud of our student body."
