Police in Cold Lake, Alberta are crediting Swift Current RCMP for helping them arrest a member of the Canadian Forces for sexual assault and child pornography.

A concerned citizen approached our local detachment after receiving suspicious photos online.

Staff Sgt. Rob Cunningham with the Cold Lake RCMP says the Swift Current detachment began the investigation before handing it over.

"They obtained all the necessary information and statements. They were then able to secure information as to how this person came into posession of those images, and they turned that over to us for subsequent follow up in Alberta," Cunningham says. "The cooperation between all the agencies that participated has been fantastic. We couldn't have initiated this investigation without the assistance of the member from the RCMP in Swift Current."

RCMP allege the man and his victim are from the same family, his name is not being released at this time to protect the identity of the victim. He is facing charges of sexual assault, invitation to sexual touching, sexual interference, distribution of child pornography and possession of child pornography.

Police arrested the accused at his home last Wednesday and he is scheduled to make a court appearance on January 25th in Cold Lake.

As for whether the resident who reported the photos is under suspicion, Cunningham says that is not the case at this time. "At the present time, no. We're just grateful that this person came forward as a good samaritan to disclose that they were in possession of images that they felt should be looked into further by the RCMP."

 

Shawn Mullin's conversation with Staff Sgt. Rob Cunningham with Cold Lake RCMP...