Medicine Hat man charged with multiple sexual offences

The investigation began in February this year. The man is alleged to have accessed child pornography online. According to a release from ALERT, the investigation revealed additional alleged sexual offences committed against at least one unidentified child, who is alleged to be known to him.

“There’s evidence through the investigation that led us to believe there may be a child victim that we’re unaware of and really we’re just looking for the public’s assistance,” said Sgt. Kirt Murray with the ICE unit. “Really if you have concerns that your child may have had interactions with Cody, not just passing on the road but he babysat or had some kind of extended interaction and you have concerns, please come forward and let us know.”

ICE says Herrell does not work in a position of trust or authority, and anyone with information relevant to the investigation is asked to contact the Medicine Hat Police Service at 403-529-8481.

The investigation also discovered other alleged sexual offences involving several dogs. Murray says it is not known of the dogs were owner by Herrell.

Medicine Hat College confirmed to CHAT Television that Herrell was enrolled at the college as a student.

The college would not confirm Herrell’s program of study, city privacy reasons, however his Facebook page says he was studying nursing.

Mark Keller, executive director of advancement and community relations, says the college was shocked to hear the allegations, and says Herrell has been removed as a student.

“We have reviewed the policy the college has with regards to programs and conduct,” he said. “We have reviewed that policy, and we have taken action to restrict the individual from campus effective immediately.”

Keller says ensuring the campus is safe is of importance to the college.

“The college is very much focused on creating a safe environment for all community members,” he said. “That, of course, includes students, our employees and those who are visitors to the campus.”

Keller says any decision on Herrell returning as a student is dependent on the outcome of the court case and its conduct policy.

Murray says the case underscores the responsibility parents have to keep their children safe online.

“Make sure your kids aren’t in a position where they have access where they’re unsupervised,” he said. “Make sure you know your kids passwords and who they’re talking to and make sure your kids know who they’re talking to on the Internet. That’s how these types of investigations start, they start talking to someone who they think are their friend and really it’s not a good person their befriending on the other side.”

Murray says devices should be kept in a central location in the home, and parents should know their child’s passwords on their devices. Parents also need to educate themselves on the websites their child could be visiting.

Herrell was released from custody with multiple court-imposed conditions. He is not allowed to have any contact with children and is not allowed to attend any public areas where children may be present.

His next court appearance is October 17 in Medicine Hat Provincial Court.

by Charles Lefebvre/Jessie Weisner

Medicine Hat man charged with multiple sexual offences

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