TRIGGER WARNING; topics of sexual child exploitation and suicide
The internet is a big place, especially for predators.
Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) Internet Child Exploitation Unit and the OPP’s Child Sexual Exploitation Unit have arrested a 28 year old man from Calgary.
A six month investigation was launched when an Ontario girl reported she was being harassed and sexually extorted dating back 5 years to when she was only 11.
The victim reported receiving unsolicited messages from an unknown suspect through various social media outlets. The messages were sexually inappropriate as well as threatening to her and her family. At one point the suspect event threatened to kill the girl and her family, and was trying to convince the young girl to commit suicide.
Police issued a written statement…
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. I am grateful to my partners in Calgary ICE who hit the ground running and put an end to the offender’s heinous acts. The courage and resilience of this victim is an inspiration to all,” said Detective Constable Cory Wilson of the OPP CSEU.
“This is a heart-breaking case with the victim enduring years of abuse and suffering. It comes at a great relief to make an arrest, and will undoubtedly help in the victim’s healing process,” said Detective Krista Mapplebeck, ALERT ICE.
When police searched the suspects home, they found several more devices will be looking to identify if there are any other victims. The suspect is facing over 10 charges, including making and distributing child pornography.
