Two members of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary have received national recognition for their work on a historic sexual violence case.
Constables Nadia Churchill and Tara Molloy were recognized with the Canadian Police Association’s Award of Excellence for their work during the complex and extensive investigation into former teacher and volleyball coach Markus Hicks.
The investigation into Hicks began in the summer of 2023 at a home on Trails End Drive in Paradise. The investigation revealed that the man had been using numerous online aliases to coerce and sexually abuse dozens of victims – many of whom were underage.
The investigation required officers to review an extensive amount of evidence including tens of thousands of images and videos dating back more than 15 years.
The investigation resulted in more than 150 criminal charges laid.
Markus Hicks in the courtroom for sentencing (VOCM News)
Hicks, who was convicted in August 2025, is currently serving 18 and a half years in jail.
The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Association says Cst. Churchill and Cst. Molloy demonstrated ‘exceptional dedication, professionalism, innovation and integrity while examining the case.’
The officers received the Award of Excellence during the Canadian Police Association’s biennial conference in Victoria, B.C. on Thursday.
