Two Charged After Alleged Forcible Confinement and Assault in Esgenoôpetitj First Nation

ESGENOÔPETITJ FIRST NATION, N.B. — September 4, 2026: Two people are facing charges following an RCMP investigation into an alleged forcible confinement and assault with a weapon involving a 59-year-old man from Tracadie.

According to New Brunswick RCMP, the incident is believed to have taken place during the early morning hours of August 29 in Esgenoôpetitj First Nation.

Police say the 59-year-old man was allegedly held against his will and assaulted.

At some point, the man was able to get away from the situation and contact police for help.

Emergency assistance was provided, and the victim was transported to hospital with injuries RCMP described as serious but not considered life-threatening.

Three People Arrested During Investigation

As investigators began looking into what happened, RCMP arrested three individuals in connection with the case.

Police later confirmed that charges had been laid against two of them.

Chrissy Dedam, 44, has been charged with assault with a weapon.

According to RCMP, Dedam appeared in court and was denied bail. She remains in custody while the case proceeds through the court system.

A second accused, 41-year-old Maxime Bouchard, has been charged with breach of probation.

RCMP say Bouchard also remains in custody.

A third man was arrested during the investigation but was subsequently released on conditions. Police have not announced charges against that individual in the information released publicly so far.

RCMP Says People Involved Knew Each Other

Police say the individuals involved in the incident were known to one another.

That detail is important because RCMP says investigators have not identified an ongoing threat to the general public in connection with the case.

However, the investigation itself remains active.

Police have not publicly released a complete account explaining what allegedly led up to the incident, how long the man may have been held, or the exact circumstances surrounding his escape.

Those details may become clearer as the investigation continues and the matter proceeds through court.

Serious Allegations, But Case Still Before the Courts

Forcible confinement and assault allegations can involve significant criminal consequences, but it is important to distinguish police allegations from findings made by a court.

The charges currently before the court have not been proven.

Both accused are entitled to the presumption of innocence unless and until guilt is established in court.

CanJam News is also avoiding speculation about motive or responsibility beyond the information released by investigators.

Investigation Remains Ongoing

RCMP say the investigation is continuing.

Police may continue interviewing witnesses, reviewing evidence and examining the sequence of events surrounding the alleged confinement and assault.

Additional information could be released if investigators determine there are further developments that are appropriate to make public.

At this point, the most significant confirmed information is that a 59-year-old Tracadie man was hospitalized with serious injuries, three people were arrested, and two people are now facing charges.

The case is expected to continue through the New Brunswick court system.

CanJam News will continue following this investigation and provide updates as additional verified information becomes available.