By rdnewsNOW

Red Deer man charged with child sexual exploitation offences, police seeking additional victims

Jan 29, 2018 | 3:42 PM

RED DEER – A 54-year-old Red Deer man has been charged with multiple child sexual exploitation offences and ALERT’s Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) unit is looking to identify other possible victims.

Stuart Peter Hunt was arrested on January 17. His Red Deer home was also searched and a number of electronic devices were seized.

Police say it was during their investigation into online child pornography crimes that sexual exploitation offences committed against children were uncovered. Several victims, who were known to the accused, have been identified thus far, but ICE believes there could be more. Police say the alleged offences could conceivably date back over the past 20 years.

The investigation began in January 2017 when the RCMP’s National Child Exploitation Coordination Centre was notified about a social media user allegedly uploading child pornography. The NCECC referred the case to ICE.

Charges against Hunt include possessing child pornography, accessing child pornography, distributing child pornography, making child pornography, sexual assault, sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching, and making sexually explicit material available to a child.

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Hunt is not employed in a position of trust and/or authority. In addition to Red Deer, Hunt has lived in Oyen and has ties to Joffre, Three Hills, Sylvan Lake and Didsbury.

Mike Tucker, Communications Director for the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT), says this is a burden that the victims have had to deal with for far too long.

“We understand the difficulties of coming forward and also shouldering that guilt,” explains Tucker. “However, your courage in coming forward can help ensure that no other children are harmed again.”

Tucker adds Hunt has been charged for offences involving only one victim so far that was known to him and there is a publication ban on that victim’s name.

“Our investigators are in the process of reaching out to other victims that have been identified but we have really no idea where this case can lead.”

Tucker continues that a case like this really emphasizes the need for parents to have important conversations with their kids.

“As uncomfortable and as unsettling as a case like this may be, it’s important to open that dialogue.”

ICE’s investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about this investigation is encouraged to contact Sgt. Kirt Murray at 403-581-1090 or submit information anonymously at cybertip.ca.

Hunt is not currently in custody but is scheduled to appear in court on February 16.