Two Alberta children have been rescued from sexual exploitation following separate investigations by ALERT’s Internet Child Exploitation teams. The investigations unfolded in Edmonton and Sylvan Lake.

The Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) teams conducted separate search warrants on July 19, 2018, in Edmonton and Sylvan Lake. In both instances, the victims were allegedly being sexually offended by their fathers. The victims are both under four years old.

The names of the suspects are not being released in order to protect the identity of the victims. Both victims are receiving support from a variety of specialized services, including the Zebra Child Protection Centre and the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre.

“These arrests have stopped the abuse, but sadly the recovery process for these young girls will be long and difficult. Thankfully, we have excellent partners that provide enhanced victim support resources,” said Insp. Dave Brink, ICE.

The two cases were unrelated and were launched after receiving referrals from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Both referrals related to social media users possessing child pornography. ICE also received assistance from Alberta Sheriffs, Red Deer RCMP, Alberta Children’s Services, and Edmonton Police Service.

In Edmonton, a 29-year-old man was arrested and charged with sexual assault, sexual interference, possession of child pornography (x2), making child pornography, and distributing child pornography.

In Sylvan Lake, a 37-year-old man was arrested and charged with incest, making child pornography, possession of child pornography, and accessing child pornography.

Anyone with information about these investigations, or any cases related to child sexual exploitation, is encouraged to come forward and contact police or 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. Members of Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.