Latest news with #onlineluring
CBC
02-07-2025
- CBC
Alberta man faces 27 charges for allegedly making child pornography, online luring
Police allege an Alberta man facing 27 child exploitation charges targeted underage girls online before luring his victims to meet him in person. In a news release Wednesday, investigators with the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams announced charges against 49-year-old Campbell Fergusson of Leduc, Alta. The charges include six counts of making child pornography, six counts of possessing child pornography, as well as child luring charges. ALERT's Internet Child Exploitation unit began investigating Fergusson in April after receiving an online tip. Police allege he targeted girls in the Edmonton area between the ages of 15 and 16 years old via social media apps, including Snapchat. Investigators allege that Fergusson would encourage his victims to meet him in person so he could sexually exploit and assault them. Police believe there may be additional victims they have yet to identify. Pseudonyms, search for victims Fergusson was arrested on Thursday and several electronic devices were seized, including a smartphone and laptop, police said. "Our investigators and forensic technicians have successfully identified six victims linked to Mr. Fergusson, but this investigation doesn't stop here," said Det. Christine Sawatsky in a news release. "We have reason to believe there are more victims we have yet to identify as we discover images and videos on these devices." Investigators said the accused may be known to his victims under the usernames burkeishere2525, devonhouston25, keenonhedstrom, treyliles2424, or by his pseudonym, Burke. "We hope that by releasing his usernames, that more victims will be encouraged to come forward and speak with police," Sawatsky said. Anyone with information about the investigation is asked to contact police or Crime Stoppers. Victims who do come forward will be offered counselling and supports through the Zebra Child and Youth Advocacy Centre, police said. Fergusson remains in custody. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 3.
CTV News
05-06-2025
- General
- CTV News
Two London men among those charged in provincial child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say they've charged dozens with 128 criminal offences after a child sexual exploitation investigation involving police services across the province. The investigation, which took place between March 31 and April 11, included 26 police services, including the London Police Service, and saw investigators pose as children online. They arrested 36 men ranging in age from 18 to 73, one of whom was listed on the national sex offender registry. According to police, two men are from London, one from Hensall, one from Ayton, and another is from Chatham. 'Although this was a luring investigation in which officers posed as children online and waited for offenders to make contact, nine real victims were identified,' provincial police stated. 'One of the accused arrived at the meeting location with snacks and one arrived with sexual paraphernalia (lubricant and condoms). One of the arrested was listed on the National Sex Offender Registry.' Police say there are 51 investigations stemming from the child luring probe that remain active. Police are urging anyone with information to come forward and are encouraging parents to talk to their children about how to stay safe during online interactions. —With files from The Canadian Press
