Airdrie man arrested on child pornography, sexual assault charges

Editor's note: This story contains graphic details. Readers' discretion is advised.

An Airdrie man is facing charges of sexual assault, child pornography, sexual exploitation, and other offences after a lengthy investigation by provincial police. 

An Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) investigation has stopped the sexual abuse of a young child in Airdrie, according to a press release from the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) on Feb. 2. 
 
The 26-year-old male suspect was arrested on Jan. 19, after ICE officers executed a search warrant at a home in Airdrie. ICE states investigators were led to the address after receiving information about an unknown suspect uploading suspected child sexual exploitation materials via social media platforms.
 
A number of computers and electronic devices were taken from the home and forensic technicians conducted an on-site, preliminary analysis. On the suspect’s phone, ICE technicians saw photos that appeared to depict sexual abuse against a family member.
 
“It was only through a timely forensic analysis that ICE investigators became aware of this child being abused,” said Det. Erin Penner, of the ALERT ICE unit. “The victim’s mother was unaware, and you can appreciate the trauma this family is experiencing right now. It was a great relief to our team to end this abuse.” 
 
The ALERT release stated victim and family members are receiving help from a variety of specialized support services, including Luna Child and Youth Advocacy Centre and Airdrie and District Victim Assistance Services (ADVAS). Alberta’s Children’s Services is also involved.
 
The suspect’s name is not being released in order to protect the identity of the victim.
 
The suspect is scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 16, and has been charged with sexual assault, sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching, making child pornography, accessing child pornography, and possession of child pornography.

According to ALERT, ICE began its investigation after receiving a referral from the RCMP’s National Child Exploitation Crime Centre in October 2022. Airdrie RCMP also provided assistance with the search and arrest.
  
Anyone with information about this case or any child exploitation situation is asked to contact their local police or to report their concern anonymously at cybertip.ca.
 
ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime.