Peace Officer arrested for child exploitation offences

Grande Prairie… A Peace Officer employed by the City of Grande Prairie has been charged with child sexual exploitation offences following an investigation by ALERT’s Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) unit.

Daniel Emond was arrested on September 21, 2023 with the help of Grande Prairie RCMP. The 32-year-old man is charged with accessing and distributing child pornography.

Emond allegedly shared child exploitation materials through social media channels, according to the RCMP’s National Child Exploitation Crime Centre. ICE began its investigation into Emond in January 2023.

“As a community, we need to understand Internet child exploitation has changed the frame of reference for how we protect children and teens. The Internet is infinite and constantly evolving; this means anyone, at any time, and anywhere will be taking advantage of children for their own sexual gratification,” said Sgt. Kerry Shima, ALERT ICE.

A number of computer and electronic devices belonging to Emond were seized, and ICE will continue its investigation through a forensic analysis.

Emond was released from custody on a number of court-imposed conditions and is awaiting his next court appearance, scheduled for October 11, 2023.

While the investigation and charges are related to online offences, ICE is encouraging anyone with information about this case to come forward and contact police. Anyone with information about this investigation, or any child exploitation offence is encouraged to contact local police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at crimestoppers.ab.ca.

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.