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Edmonton… Following a joint investigation between ALERT’s Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit and Wainwright RCMP, a 30-year-old man has been charged with multiple instances of online child luring.
Jesse Keller was arrested on May 6, 2020, at his home in Wainwright, Alta. He was charged with:
Keller allegedly lured and extorted at least three victims through a variety of online social media applications. In one instance, Keller allegedly met and sexually assaulted one of the victims.
ICE is gathering more information about the case by conducting an examination and forensic analysis of computers and electronic devices seized from Keller’s home. Anyone with information about this investigation, or any child exploitation offence is encouraged to contact local police or cybertip.ca.
“Increased online activity during isolation puts children at risk of being taken advantage of,” said Cpl. Kirk Smith, Wainwright RCMP. “We are asking all parents to be aware of who their children are chatting with online and the type of conversations that are taking place.”
Wainwright RCMP received multiple complaints about an unknown suspect dating back to January 2019. ICE became involved in the investigation in April 2020 and, working in collaboration with the Wainwright RCMP, the joint investigation into these allegations culminated in the execution of multiple search warrants and the arrest of the accused.
Wainwright is located approximately 200 kilometers southeast of Edmonton.
The Canadian Centre for Child Protection offers reminders for youth who may be dealing with online blackmail or extortion:
The work we do is about our communities, and that’s why we recognize that residents can be instrumental in tackling serious crime. If you or someone you know has been the victim of a crime, or you suspect criminal activity, please reach out. Your information will remain strictly confidential.
Thank you for helping to make Alberta safer by being actively involved and reporting suspicious activity.