Dylan Short
May 14, 2021
-Edmonton Journal
An Ontario man is facing charges of exploitation, assault and creating child pornography after an underage Edmonton-area girl was groomed online and lured into performing sexual acts on camera.
The Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) Internet and Child Exploitation (ICE) unit partnered with the Niagara Regional Police Service in a cross-country investigation that led to the St. Catharines man being arrested and charged, an ALERT news release said Friday.
ICE teams said they believe the man met and groomed the underage girl online before meeting and sexually assaulting her in Edmonton. When they met the girl was forced into degrading sexual acts. Photos and videos of the offences were later posted online.
Police said the crimes the man is alleged of performing took place over several years from 2012 to 2014 in Edmonton, Burlington and St. Catharines. They say there is reason to believe there are other victims in those cities.
“What our victim endured is sickening and she displayed remarkable courage in coming forward,” said Cpl. David Knight in the news release. “ICE is hoping other women can muster the same strength; to contact police, to get help, and ensure no one else has to suffer in the same manner.”
Jason Anderson, 41, has been charged with sexual assault, assault, sexual exploitation and making child pornography.
Anderson appeared in court in Calgary on May 4 and was released on bail with conditions.
The investigation into the case began in 2018 and is ongoing. ALERT’s ICE unit and its partners are continuing to seek additional victims. Anyone with information is asked to call ALERT at 780-509-3363 or the Niagara Regional Police Service at 905-329-8354 ext. 1009128.
c. EDMONTON JOURNAL