Vermilion RCMP have charged a local resident after an investigation into online child exploitation that began with a tip from the United States.
On Sept. 9, Alberta Internet Child Exploitation was alerted by the Calumet County Sheriffs Office in Wisconsin about a Canadian man who was allegedly sending sexual messages to a youth under 18 and soliciting intimate photos.
Vermilion RCMP and Lloydminster RCMP General Investigation Section assisted ICE with the investigation. Police made an arrest on Nov. 19 and seized child pornography during the operation.
Christian Villahermosa, 35, of Vermilion, is charged with possession of child pornography, making child pornography, distributing child pornography, accessing child pornography and luring a child.
Villahermosa was released by a justice of the peace on conditions. He is scheduled to appear in Alberta Court of Justice in Vermilion on Dec. 15.
Police are using the case to remind parents about the risks of online luring and the importance of talking to children about online safety. Tips include discussing what online luring looks like, spotting red flag behaviour, and knowing how to exit uncomfortable conversations. RCMP also stress the importance of reaching out to a trusted adult or resources such as needhelpnow.ca.
“The best solution to ensure our children are safe online is education and prevention,” said Cpl Brittany Pegg, Acting Detachment Commander of the Vermilion RCMP. “If you don’t know about your children’s online presence, start asking questions.”
Anyone with information about online child exploitation can report it to Cybertip.ca or contact local police. If a child is in immediate danger, call 9 1 1.
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A 32 year old man in Chauvin (S.C) was just arrested for the same thing a few months back. Last month the same man was electrocuted trying to steal something from a Teine Energy site. There are a lot of men in this community that are disgusting criminals.