Calgary man charged with child luring, extortion and counselling suicide of Ontario teen
Police say a Calgary man has been charged with child luring, extortion and counselling suicide following a six-month-long cross-Canada investigation.
The investigation, a joint effort between the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), was launched after an teen in southwestern Ontario came forward to report she had been was sexually extorted and harassed online five years ago, when she was 11 years old.
The victim told police she received unsolicited messages from a stranger on various social media sites that were sexual and violent in nature.
"Initially, the victim was pressured into sending sexually explicit photos, and when the victim relented, the suspect allegedly threatened to kill the victim’s family," ALERT said in a news release.
"Further, the suspect coerced the victim to attempt suicide."
Through their investigation, police were able to identify a suspect who lives in Calgary.
On Oct. 21, police searched the suspect's home, seizing electronic devices.
ALERT said the items will undergo forensic analysis, and they are exploring the possibility of identifying other victims.
“This is a heart-breaking case with the victim enduring years of abuse and suffering," said Det. Krista Mapplebeck with ALERT.
"It comes at a great relief to make an arrest, and will undoubtedly help in the victim’s healing process."
Brady Provost, 28, is charged with numerous offences including making, distributing, accessing and possession of child pornography.
“While this case highlights the borderless nature of these crimes, it also sends a message to those who exploit children about the tenacity and collaboration exhibited by Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) investigators across Canada," said Det. Constable Cory Wilson of the OPP.
"The courage and resilience of this victim is an inspiration to all."
Anyone with information about these investigations or any child exploitation offence is encouraged to contact local police or visit cybertip.ca.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
With Donald Trump sitting just feet away, Stormy Daniels testified Tuesday at the former president's hush money trial about a sexual encounter the porn actor says they had in 2006 that resulted in her being paid to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
Indian envoy warns of 'big red line,' days after charges laid in Nijjar case
India's envoy to Canada insists relations between the two countries are positive overall, despite what he describes as 'a lot of noise.'
Susan Buckner, who played spirited cheerleader Patty Simcox in 'Grease,' dead at 72
Susan Buckner, best known for playing peppy Rydell High School cheerleader Patty Simcox in the 1978 classic movie musical 'Grease,' has died. She was 72.
Former homicide detective explains how police will investigate shooting outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Footage from dozens of security cameras in the area of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion could be the key to identifying the suspect responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a security guard outside the rapper’s sprawling home early Tuesday morning, a former Toronto homicide detective says.
Jeremy Skibicki has 'uphill battle' to prove he's not criminally responsible in Winnipeg killings: legal analysts
Accused killer Jeremy Skibicki could have a challenging time convincing a judge that he is not criminally responsible for the deaths of four Indigenous women, a legal analyst says.
Alcohol believed to be a factor in boating incident after 2 men die: N.S. RCMP
Two Nova Scotia men are dead after a boat they were travelling in sank in the Annapolis River in Granville Centre, N.S., on Monday.
Northern Ont. woman makes 'eggstraordinary' find
A chicken farmer near Mattawa made an 'eggstraordinary' find Friday morning when she discovered one of her hens laid an egg close to three times the size of an average large chicken egg.
Bye-bye bag fee: Calgary repeals single-use bylaw
A Calgary bylaw requiring businesses to charge a minimum bag fee and only provide single-use items when requested has officially been tossed.
CFL suspends Argos QB Chad Kelly at least nine games following investigation
The CFL suspended Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly for at least nine regular-season games Tuesday following its investigation into a lawsuit filed by a former strength-and-conditioning coach against both the player and club.