Operation ICE Storm nets 10 child porn offenders from Southern Alberta

ALERT’s Southern Alberta Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) team, with the assistance of Calgary Police Service (CPS), Lethbridge Regional Police Service (LRPS), and RCMP members, executed 13 search warrants throughout Southern Alberta beginning in December 2013.

“I want to thank members of our Integrated Child Exploitation team for the excellent work they do every day to stop serious organized crimes such as child exploitation,” said Jonathan Denis, Minister of Justice and Solicitor General.

The operation targeted individuals sharing child pornography images and videos across a variety of peer-to-peer file sharing networks. The proactive investigation resulted in the arrest of 10 offenders, ranging in age from 22 to 65, with charges of possessing, accessing, and making available child pornography being laid.

Over 330 computers and electronic devices were seized, which investigators estimate could contain thousands of child pornography photos and videos. ICE forensic analysts and technicians will begin the painstaking process of analyzing the seized devices for more evidence, and more charges could be forthcoming.

Ten people have been charged and are facing a total of 30 criminal charges:

• Adam Broeske, 27, from Calgary;
• Brian Harrison, 65, from Pincher Creek;
• Brandon Hersey, 28, from Calgary;
• Paul Marshall, 47, from Lethbridge;
• Dave Munroe, 54, from Lethbridge;
• Matthew Rolph, 22, from Calgary;
• Ockert Stewart, 28, from Calgary;
• Ian St. Lewis, 56, from Calgary;
• Randall Scott, 52, from Calgary;
• Kyle Ware, 27, from Okotoks.

About the Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) unit

The Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) unit investigates the sexual exploitation of children through the Internet and works to reduce harm through public education and prevention programs.

Formed in 2006, the unit regularly works with other police agencies across Canada and around the world to track down predators and identify victims.

ICE investigates offences involving accessing, possessing, distributing, importing, and manufacturing child pornography, any computer-related child sexual abuse, child luring over the Internet, voyeurism involving victims under the age of 18, and child sex trade/tourism.

The unit has two teams operating in the northern and southern regions of the province. ICE investigators and forensic examiners work together in the same offices to ensure predators are caught as quickly as possible. Across Canada, those two important roles are not usually housed together.

Between April 1, 2012 and March 31, 2013, ICE investigated 484 new files and laid 261 charges against 125 people.

The public can submit tips at www.cybertip.ca, a national website for reporting the online sexual exploitation of children.

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Related link:
www.alert-ab.ca