Sexual exploitation charges laid against Airdrie, Alta., man
Authorities say an Airdrie, Alta., man faces several charges related to the sexual exploitation of a young family member.
The Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team's (ALERT) Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) unit said the suspect was arrested on Jan. 19 following the search of an Airdrie home.
They did not say how old the child victim was.
The 26-year-old man cannot be named to protect the identity of the victim, but has been charged with:
- Sexual assault;
- Sexual interference;
- Invitation to sexual touching;
- Making child pornography;
- Accessing child pornography; and
- Possession of child pornography.
ALERT says the charges come after investigators were told the suspect was uploading suspected child exploitation materials to the Internet via social media.
A search of a home resulted in the seizure of several computers and electronic devices. Forensic technicians conducted a preliminary analysis and found images, believed to depict sexual abuse, on the suspect's phone.
They add the victim's mother was unaware of the abuse.
"You can appreciate the trauma this family is experiencing right now. It was a great relief to our team to end this abuse," said Det. Erin Penner with ALERT's ICE unit in a statement.
The victim and family members are being offered support through the Luna Child and Youth Advocacy Centre and Airdrie Victim Services. Alberta Children's Services is also involved.
Investigators say parents should always be aware of their children's activities online and watch for any warning signs.
"In regards to medical distress, injuries, not wanting to be with whoever the family member may be, may not want to go out and visit with anybody," said Det. Dean Jacobs with ALERT in an interview with CTV News.
"They may not want to have that alone time that they normally would. You might see some changes in their personality and what they usually do."
Jacobs says child exploitation is a big issue in Alberta, Canada and the world.
"We can't arrest ourselves out of this. We need help from family members, if they see something, they need to report it right away and at least get there to save the child.
"These are our kids and they need to be protected. Some of them can't speak for themselves so, as adults, we need to do that and protect our kids."
The suspect is scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 16.
Airdrie is located approximately 20 minutes north of Calgary.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
CFIA monitoring for avian flu in Canadian dairy cattle after U.S. discoveries
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is encouraging veterinarians to keep an eye out for signs of avian influenza in dairy cattle following recent discoveries of cases of the disease in U.S. cow herds.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
Vancouver firefighter in rehab at home after losing leg to flesh-eating infection overseas
A family trip took a frightening turn for Christopher Won when he was diagnosed with flesh-eating disease while in Hong Kong and now, after weeks of treatment overseas, the Vancouver firefighter is back home recovering.
WATCH Video shows dramatic police takedown of carjacking suspects chased through parking lot north of Toronto
Police have released video footage of a dramatic takedown of a group of teens wanted in connection with an attempted carjacking in Markham earlier this month.
WHO likely to issue wider alert on contaminated cough syrup
The World Health Organization is likely to issue a wider warning about contaminated Johnson and Johnson-made children's cough syrup found in Nigeria last week, it said in an email.
Advocacy groups speak out against domestic violence comments by Nova Scotia minister
Several Nova Scotia groups that assist women are speaking out against comments on domestic violence by Justice Minister Brad Johns, and at least one is calling for his dismissal.