Abbotsford teen charged with luring, extortion and child porn offences
Posted March 15, 2017 9:01 am.
Last Updated March 15, 2017 1:17 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
ABBOTSFORD (NEWS 1130) – A teen in the Fraser Valley has been charged with several disturbing offences following an investigation that was launched last fall.
Last October, the Major Crime Unit of the Abbotsford Police Department was contacted by investigators in Texas, who said an 11-year-old boy who was the victim of cyberbullying and extortion. And it was believed the responsible offender lived in Abbotsford. Police say the nature of the offences included the suspect demanding naked and sexual images from the victim for rewards or under the threat of possible consequences.
Last month, officers searched an Abbotsford home and seized computers and a cell phone.
Constable Ian MacDonald says earlier this month a boy in his mid-teens was arrested. “We can’t identify or name that individual.”
He adds this case serves as a good reminder for parents to know what their kids are up to at all times. “This isn’t just an issue that involves law enforcement. This is an issue that involves everyone who is parent, everyone who is mentoring, coaching or is taking care of kids. We need to do what we can to keep kids safe and that includes knowing what they’re doing, who they’re friending and what their online activity looks like.”
The teen has been released from custody with several court-ordered conditions.
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