ALERT badge, file photo. (Image: Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team)

By David Opinko

Crowsnest Pass man charged with child sexual exploitation offences

Aug 22, 2022 | 1:32 PM

COLEMAN, AB – A 35-year-old man from Coleman has been apprehended after allegedly committing offenses related to the sexual exploitation of a youth.

The Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team’s (ALERT) Internet Child Exploitation Unit (ICE) arrested the suspect on Thursday, August 18, 2022, thanks to assistance from Crowsnest Pass RCMP.

ALERT ICE Constable Anthony Tupper says the RCMP’s National Child Exploitation Crime Centre shared information with them about a suspect uploading child sexual exploitation materials to a social media network, which depicted young children.

A number of computer and electronic devices were seized from the man’s home in Coleman.

Investigators believe the suspect is known to the child and Alberta Children’s Services is involved.

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The victim and family members are receiving support services.

The charges against the 35-year-old include making, possessing, accessing, and distributing child pornography. Tupper says more charges could be laid as the investigation is ongoing.

“ICE has an unwavering commitment towards identifying and rescuing children from sexual exploitation,” says Tupper. “In this investigation, our priority is the well-being of the victim, and we will continue to advance the case and explore the totality of the alleged offences, which includes the possibility of other victims.”

Anyone with information about the case or any child sexual exploitation situation is asked to contact ICE, their local police, or submit information anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.