An Edmonton firefighter captain was arrested on child exploitation charges. (Edmonton Fire Rescue Services)

By Eli J. Ridder | @EliRidder

Edmonton fire captain charged with child sexual exploitation offences

Jan 24, 2024 | 11:08 AM

A captain with Edmonton Fire Rescue Services has been charged with a series of child sexual exploitation offences.

The charges were the result of an investigation by ALERT‘s internet child exploitation unit, the division said Wednesday.

The captain was arrested Jan. 16 with the assistance of Morinville RCMP.

The 54-year-old man is charged with possession of child pornography, accessing child pornography, making available child pornography, and two counts of unsafe storage of a firearm.

The ALERT child internet unit, known as ICE, began its investigation into the captain in October 2023 following reports of a suspect sharing high volumes of child sexual exploitation materials online.

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ICE Const. Scott Sterling said it was a concern that it was a person in a role of trust and authority in particular that was distributing the illegal content.

“Given the position of authority and the role firefighters have in the community it is concerning that the suspect is accessing and distributing child sexual abuse material,” Sterling said.

A number of computers and electronic devices were seized from the man’s home, which are now being examined to collect further evidence, accordng to ALERT.

During the search of his home several firearms were located, which were not being properly stored.

The suspect was released from custody on a number of court-imposed conditions, and is awaiting his next scheduled court appearance on Feb. 15 in Morinville, Alta.