Three children have been identified as victims and three adults have been arrested in connection with a Powell River RCMP investigation into the production, distribution and possession of child pornography.
The RCMP and the BC RCMP Integrated Child Exploitation Unit arrested one male and two female adults on Thursday, March 31 and Friday, April 1 after a search of three houses and a vehicle.
RCMP Sergeant Cam Muir said police found electronic devices and media that have been “sent for forensic analysis to determine their content.” Muir confirmed they seized images of child pornography.
Three children from Powell River have also been identified as victims. The RCMP have been working with the ministry of children and families on the case to ensure the safety of the children. Muir could not give any information on the victims, including age or relation to those arrested, in order to protect the identity of the children.
The investigation has been ongoing since November 2010 but new information received toward the end of March led to the arrests. RCMP recommended a series of charges, including production of child pornography, conspiracy to commit sexual assault and procuring sexual activity from a minor, that have to be approved by Crown council. The adults have been released on strict conditions and are due to appear in Provincial Court on May 4. Muir said more information will be provided as the case progresses.
