Nanaimo RCMP Make Child Porn and Child Luring Arrests

The Nanaimo RCMP Serious Crime Unit has successfully wrapped up an intensive week of search warrants targeting individuals involved in the possession and distribution of child pornography and child luring.

This proactive operation was carried out collaboratively and in full cooperation with the RCMP Integrated Child Exploitation Unit (ICE ). ICE recognizes the importance of supporting not only local Detachments and law enforcement but also the victims and communities in which they reside. "The expertise and hands on assistance ICE provided to our investigators was invaluable”, said Constable Gary O’Brien, media spokesperson for the Nanaimo RCMP. “It is also important to note that these investigations in no way reflect an inordinate number of child pornography incidents in Nanaimo than elsewhere. What is does show is a commitment by our investigators to ensure our community stays safe from sexual predators. This team of officers want the citizens of Nanaimo to know that the RCMP will aggressively investigate those involved in this insidious behavior and will bring them before our courts to have them dealt with accordingly”, said O’Brien.

Beginning September 7th, a search warrant was carried out by Nanaimo Serious Crime members on a home in the south end of Nanaimo. A computer in that home was searched and evidence gathered from it which will be used to support criminal charges. The suspect in this case, a male in his early teens, was allegedly in possession of graphic sexual images . Officers do not believe his parents were aware of his activities and are cooperating fully with the police. There were other children in the home but officers are satisfied there were no protection issues. 

On September 8th another investigation was commenced, this one surrounding a computer that had been rented and returned to a business for reformatting.  Technicians found child pornography on the hard drive then contacted police. It has been determined that the renter of the computer has left the province, however his name has been forwarded to the ICE unit in the province he is currently residing in.

Another investigation took place later that day but did not involve a search warrant. Information provided by ICE lead Nanaimo RCMP to a residence of a 30 year old male who was believed to have previously downloaded child pornography. The male was not cooperative and officers could not establish sufficient grounds to proceed further with the investigation.

On September 9th two locations were searched in Ladysmith and a 57 year old male was arrested for possession and distribution of 1000's of graphic sexual images involving pre-pubescent children. He was later released on a Promise to Appear with stringent conditions. ”In these cases the images seized will be subjected to a forensic evaluation to determine the extent and nature of the offense. Once the examination is completed charge approval can take place by our local Crown Counsel. In the interim, the suspects are released on conditions and investigators are diligent in monitoring their activities to ensure compliance”said O’Brien.

The last search involved a 23 year old male who is believed to have been utilizing internet chat rooms and social networking sites to lure young persons for sexual purposes. On September 9th this male was arrested at his downtown Nanaimo home then later released on conditions. He is to have no contact with persons under the age of 16 and to not use any computer systems. The investigation involving this male is continuing.

One other investigation involved a male in his early twenties, residing in Central Nanaimo with his mother. This male was also believed to be in possession and distributing child pornography. There were insufficient grounds to proceed with a search warrant and this investigation is continuing, but no arrests have been made to date.

“The images seized by our investigators are graphic, disgusting and nothing more than child abuse. Each time an individual views these types of images, the child is re-victimized. Do your part and report it to the police”, said Constable Shannon Cutler of the Nanaimo RCMP Serious Crime Unit. 

If you have information on someone involved in this type of activity, please call the Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477. You can also go online to www.nanaimocrimestoppers.ca.

To educate yourself on this issue go to www.cybertip.ca