The stepfather of missing Nova Scotia children Jack and Lilly Sullivan faced a judge for the first time Monday on charges of sexual assault, assault and forcible confinement of an adult as a crowd gathered in a rural courtroom in the town of Pictou.

The criminal charges against Daniel Martell are not directly related to the RCMP major crime investigation into the disappearance of Lilly, 6, and Jack, now 5.

Mr. Martell, 34, who was charged in late January did not have a lawyer, but Legal Aid Nova Scotia defence counsel Nick Hoehne represented him for the appearance, waiving the reading of the charges.

The adult complainant’s identity is protected by a publication ban. The alleged crimes took place between Sept. 1, 2024, and March 30, 2025, in Lansdowne, N.S., according to court documents.

Grandmother of Jack and Lilly Sullivan calls for public inquiry into children’s disappearance

Mr. Martell, looking serious and downcast, stood with his arms at his side as senior crown prosecutor Bill Gorman told provincial court Justice Cameron MacKeen that he elected to prosecute by indictment. That means any conviction would involve more severe penalties.

The disappearance of Lilly and Jack has been the focus of an intensive RCMP major crime investigation after their mother Malehya Brooks-Murray and Mr. Martell reported them missing from home on the morning of May 2, 2025.

RCMP spokesperson Allison Gerrard, in a recent update about the case, said “investigators are evaluating all scenarios, including criminality.”

Outside the Pictou courtroom, a number of people gathered seeking answers about the two missing children.

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A car with several printed signs is parked in front of the courthouse.Ted Pritchard/The Globe and Mail

Neon posters on the windows of a parked car outside said “Justice for Jack and Lilly,” “Where are Jack and Lilly?” and “If they are not in the woods where are they?”

The children’s aunt and family friend Cheryl Robinson said the court appearance was particularly emotional for her because Monday was exactly 10 months since Jack and Lilly disappeared.

“I feel like the RCMP are going to solve what happened to Jack and Lilly,” she said in an interview.

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Mr. Martell is facing charges of forcible confinement, sexual assault, and assault against an adult.Ted Pritchard/The Globe and Mail

After his court appearance, Mr. Martell refused to answer questions about the charges as he briskly left the courthouse, his cousin Logan MacKenzie at his side.

When Mr. Martell was asked if he thinks the charges have anything to do with the case of Jack and Lilly, he said no, adding that RCMP have said as much already. When pressed, he raised his voice: “I just said, they’re not related,” he said striding across a snow covered parking lot.

Mr. Martell has previously denied any involvement in the disappearance of Jack and Lilly.

The criminal charges against Mr. Martell have not been proven in court.

Mr. Martell’s next court appearance is March 30. He’s expected to confirm a formal retainer with a Nova Scotia Legal Aid lawyer and make an election or plea.