Vermilion RCMP, in collaboration with Lloydminster RCMP and Alberta Internet Child Exploitation (ICE), have arrested a local man following an investigation into online child exploitation.
Read more: Man arrested for child luring in Lloyd
The investigation began on Sept. 9, after ICE was notified by the Calumet County Sheriff’s Office in Wisconsin, U.S., regarding a Canadian man who was sending sexually explicit messages and soliciting intimate images from a youth under 18.
Vermilion RCMP and Lloydminster RCMP’s General Investigation Section, working alongside ICE, executed the investigation, which led to the arrest of 35-year-old Christian Villahermosa of Vermilion on Nov. 19. Authorities also seized child pornography during the investigation.
Villahermosa faces multiple charges, including:
- Possession of child pornography;
- Making child pornography;
- Distribution of child pornography;
- Accessing child pornography;
- Luring a child.
He appeared before a justice of the peace and was released on conditions. His next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 15, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Vermilion.
RCMP urges parents to educate children about online safety
Vermilion and Lloydminster RCMP emphasized the importance of preventing online exploitation through education. Parents are encouraged to:
- Explain online luring and how it occurs.
- Discuss with youth why these actions are criminal offences in Canada.
- Teach children to recognize red-flag behaviors online.
- Encourage strategies to safely exit uncomfortable online interactions, including blocking or deleting contacts.
- Stress the importance of seeking help from trusted adults or organizations like 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. “Parents should ask questions about their children’s online presence. For resources, visit RCMP online resources or Cybertip.ca.”
Suspected online child exploitation should be reported immediately. To report anonymously, complete the Cybertip.ca report form. If a child is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1 or your local police service.
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