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Southern Alberta man charged with child porn offences

Apr 30, 2021 | 2:15 PM

BASSANO, AB – An 18-year-old man has been arrested on numerous charges relating to the distribution of child pornography.

Bassano RCMP was first informed that someone in the community was distributing pornographic images of an underaged girl on March 8, 2021.

They investigated alongside Brooks RCMP and ALERT’s Internet Child Exploitation Unit.

Through the course of their investigation, they identified several victims, both male and female, between the ages of 14 and 16.

The accused cannot be named due to a publication ban.

He has been charged with eight counts of distributing child pornography, eight counts of possessing child pornography, two counts of distributing sexually explicit material to a person under 16 years, and child luring.

The accused was released on conditions and will appear in Brooks Provincial Court on May 5.

“Bassano RCMP has been proactive in engaging with all its areas schools regarding internet safety before this incident was reported. In response to this occurrence, we have held another virtual session with our schools and will continue this in future,” says Corporal Sebastian Andrews, Bassano RCMP Detachment Commander.

Parents are urged to monitor their children’s online activity.

Anyone with information about online child exploitation offences can call their local police or RCMP, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or www.cybertip.ca