By Liam Verster

ALERT ICE

Fort McMurray couple face child exploitation charges

Mar 11, 2021 | 1:26 PM

Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams Internet Child Exploitation (ALERT ICE) unit have charged a Fort McMurray couple with child sexual exploitation offences.

On February 26, 2021, 41-year-old Andrew Wall and 33-year-old Marlena Bennett were arrested with help from Wood Buffalo RCMP.

The arrest was made after foresic analysis was completed on the couple’s computers and electronic devices, which were seized in October 2020 when the pair were being investigated for child pornography offences.

The couple allegedly sexually assaulted an infant victim. ALERT ICE is currently exploring the possibility of additional victims in this case.

“When the couple’s electronic devices were analyzed, ICE uncovered very troubling, disturbing evidence of a young child being sexually assaulted. ICE has strong reason to believe this may not be the only instance and we’re exploring the possibility of other young children that were left in the couple’s care as being victimized,” said Staff Sergeant Mike Zaparyniuk, ALERT ICE.

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Wall and Bennett are jointly charged with:

• Sexual Assault
• Sexual Interference
• Bestiality
• Possession of Chid Pornography
• Distribution of Child Pornography

Bennett is also charged with Making Chid Pornography.

Anyone with information on this, or any other case involving child sexual exploitation, is asked to contact the police immediately.