Two charged with child assault may resolve case
By Delon Shurtz - Lethbridge Herald on May 1, 2024.
LETHBRIDGE HERALDdshurtz@lethbridgeherald.com A man and woman accused of sexually assaulting the woman’s child may make a deal with the Crown to resolve their case rather than go to trial.The case was in Taber court of justice Tuesday, where Lethbridge lawyer Miranda Hlady requested an adjournment to allow the accuseds’ lawyers time to review an agreed statement of facts with their clients. An ASF typically outlines pertinent details of the case upon which both the Crown and Defence can agree and which may lead to pleas and resolution without a trial.
Neither accused can be named to protect the identity of the child.
The Lethbridge woman is charged with sexual assault, sexual interference, making child pornography, distribution of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. The Barnwell man faces charges of sexual assault, making child pornography, accessing child pornography, and possessing child pornography.
Police officers arrested the mother on Nov. 2, 2023 after searching a Lethbridge home. Officers went to the home after uncovering evidence of the alleged abuse from a case that took place earlier in the year in Barnwell and resulted in the arrest of a 41-year-old man. Police believe the two suspects were in a previous relationship and sexually assaulted the child, in addition to sharing child sexual abuse materials.
Police searched the Barnwell home on Sept. 19, following a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that shared information about an Alberta suspect uploading child pornography through Facebook.
The investigation by ALERT Internet Child Exploitation unit (ICE), also resulted in the rescue of the school-age child.
A forensic analysis of computers seized from the Barnwell home identified nearly half a million photos and videos of child sexual abuse materials. Among the collection, ICE identified a series of materials that they believe are unique and were possibly created by the accused.
Further investigation revealed the materials were produced in Alberta, and ICE was able to identify a suspect and the child being abused.
The woman’s next court hearing is scheduled for May 14, while the man returns to court next Tuesday. 3
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