Man charged in child sexual assault, porn case set to resolve charges this summer
By Delon Shurtz - Lethbridge Herald on May 15, 2024.
LETHBRIDGE HERALDdshurtz@lethbridgeherald.com A southern Alberta man accused of sexually assaulting a child while in a relationship with the  child’s mother is expected to resolve his charges when his matter returns to court this summer.The man, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the child, is charged with sexual assault, making child pornography, accessing child pornography, and possessing child pornography.
His case was in Taber court of justice Tuesday, where an agent for the accused’s lawyer requested an adjournment to Aug. 13 for an “anticipated resolution.”
Disposition without a trial typically involves the Crown and defence presenting an agreed statement of facts to the judge, which outlines pertinent details of the case upon which both the Crown and Defence can agree and which may lead to pleas.
The child’s mother, who can’t be identified to protect the child’s identity, also faces several criminal charges. Her matters were in Taber court Tuesday, as well, but simply adjourned to May 28. She is charged with sexual assault, sexual interference, making child pornography, distribution of child pornography, and possession of child pornography.
During a previous court hearing the defence suggested her charges may also be resolved.
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. 3
-2
