Charlie Diab has pleaded not guilty in Dartmouth provincial court to charges of sexually abusing a child. The 42-year-old Dartmouth man, a member of the Royal Canadian Navy, will stand trial in April 2027. Photo by Steve BruceArticle contentA member of the Canadian military will stand trial in Dartmouth provincial court next spring on charges of sexually abusing a child.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentDefence lawyer Pat Atherton entered not-guilty pleas recently for Charlie Diab, 42, of Dartmouth on charges of sexual assault, sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching, and making child sexual abuse and exploitation material, formerly known as child pornography.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentJudge Jill Hartlen scheduled Diab’s trial for April 13, 2027.Article contentDiab also faces three other charges in the same courthouse: two counts of making child sexual abuse and exploitation material and one count of possessing such material.Article contentOn Friday, Atherton got those charges adjourned until Sept. 23 for election and plea.Article contentCrown attorney Peter Dostal is prosecuting both files.Article contentDiab was initially arrested last December and charged with one count of making child sexual abuse material. Further investigation led to more charges being laid in February.Article contentPolice allege Diab abused the child between December 2023 and December 2025 and made or possessed the illicit material in November and December 2025.Article contentDiab, a marine technician in the Royal Canadian Navy, spent one night in custody in late February before he was released on $5,000 bail.Article contentHe cannot have any contact with the alleged victim, whose identity is protected by a publication ban, and is not to possess a pager, cellphone or any other device capable of connecting to the internet.Article contentArticle contentHe is allowed to use a cellphone or computer to access the internet for medical appointments and banking, but only under the supervision of the person who owns the device.Article contentDiab is also prohibited from communicating with or being around anyone under the age of 16 and cannot go to any park, playground, daycare, school grounds, skating rink, swimming pool, library, recreation centre, or other places where children are likely to be present.Article contentThe release order says Diab cannot attend the fitness centre in his Highfield Park Drive apartment building but is permitted to be in the laundry room and the onsite convenience store, providing he is accompanied by an adult aware of his charges.Article contentIf Diab incidentally finds himself in the presence of someone under 16 at his building, he must immediately remove himself from the situation, the order says.Article content
Royal Canadian Navy member faces April 2027 trial in Dartmouth on charges of molesting child
