Calgary man arrested for luring Oregon youth

Calgary… ALERT’s Internet Child Exploitation unit has arrested a 61-year-old Calgary man for allegedly luring a Portland, Ore. youth online. The 17-year-old victim reported the offences through Cybertip.ca.

The Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) unit conducted the investigation in cooperation with the U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) team based in Portland and made an arrest on October 17, 2023.

The investigation revealed that the suspect had been communicating online with the teen for a period of approximately three years. In that time, it is alleged he wired her money in exchange for sexual images and videos, sent her child sexual abuse material, as well as videos of himself. It is also believed he attempted to obtain a NEXUS card so he could travel across the border and visit her in the United States.

The victim reported the offences to Cybertip in July 2023. Cybertip is Canada’s tipline for reporting online child sexual abuse and exploitation and is operated by the Canadian Centre for Child Protection.

“While she has not engaged with this man since March, he has continued the online conversations,” said Cst. Candace Harris, ALERT ICE.

William Seymour, 61, was arrested and faces several charges, including child luring, make sexually explicit material available to a child, as well as make, possess and acce child pornography.

“Our team worked closely with our partners in Portland who were able to intervene and speak with the teen who came forward. It’s crucial in cases like these that children and teens alike know where to turn when they need help. If your child or teen is targeted and someone asks them to send pictures, we ask that they screenshot the conversation and that they reach out to someone they trust,” Harris added.

For more information and a list of resources, visit our website.

During the search of the Calgary man’s home ICE seized a number of computer and electronic devices. The investigation will continue with a detailed forensic analysis.

Seymour was released from custody on court-imposed conditions as he awaits his next court appearance on November 17, 2023.

ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime.