ICE urges parents to be aware of online dangers following recent arrest

Calgary… ALERT’s Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) unit is urging parents to continue conversations around internet safety following a recent investigation involving the sexual assault of a Calgary teen.

In January 2024, ICE received information that a 22-year-old Calgary man was allegedly using a social media app to coerce a 14-year-old into sharing sexually explicit photos. It is believed their online conversations lasted several months and eventually the two met, where the victim was sexually assaulted.

The alleged offences were uncovered by the victim’s mother, in examination of her daughter’s phone.

“This is just one example of why it’s important that parents know what their kids are doing online, who they’re talking to, and what apps they’re using,” said Constable Heather Bangle, ALERT ICE. “You have every right as a parent to be checking in on your kids and making sure they’re safe.”

ALERT arrested the suspect at his home with help from the Calgary Police Service and the RCMP.

Several devices were seized, including a cell phone. Forensic examiners were able to identify a second victim that the suspect had been conversing with.

On July 10, 2024 ALERT charged Steven Meier-Araya, 22 years old, with the following:

• luring a child via telecommunications x2;
• luring a child via telecommunications x2;
• sexual assault;
• sexual interference;
• invitation to sexual touching x2;
• make child pornography x2;
• access child pornography; and
• possess child pornography.

Meier-Araya was released from custody on a number of court-imposed conditions and is awaiting his next scheduled court appearance on August 23, 2024.

“As soon as your child is old enough to have a device in their hand, you should be having those conversations about safety and privacy, what’s appropriate, what’s not appropriate, and then also what to do if something does happen,” Bangle said.

If parents or trusted adults find themselves in a similar situation, Bangle recommends taking screenshots of the conversations and reporting the user to the app.

Last year, ALERT saw a record number of child sexual exploitation investigations with 3,815 cases occurring across the province. This rise marked a 27% increase from the previous year.

“There are so many different apps and they’re changing all the time, but if it’s a platform where there are kids, you can be guaranteed that there are predators there,” she adds.

For resources and help to recognize the signs of online child sexual exploitation, visit the ALERT website.

Anyone with information this investigation or any child exploitation situation is asked to contact their local police, or to report their concern anonymously to Crime Stoppers (1-800-222-TIPS).

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.