On April 10, 2013 the ICE Unit executed a search warrant as a result of an online investigation and arrested a 68 year old male in regards to child exploitation offences. Neil Martin (DOB: January 25, 1945), of Saskatoon, is charged with Possession of Child Pornography, Accessing Child Pornography and Making Available Child Pornography. His next court appearance is on May 7, 2013.
On April 16, 2013 the ICE Unit executed a search warrant and arrested a 34 year old male in regards to child exploitation offences that came to their attention after a complaint was received regarding inappropriate behavior towards a child. Shawn Rhode (DOB: February 14, 1979), of Saskatoon is currently charged with Possession of Child Pornography and Accessing Child Pornography. The investigation is still ongoing and additional charges are pending. Rhode is being held in custody until his next court appearance on May 23, 2013.
On May 1, 2013 the ICE Unit executed a search warrant as a result of a complaint received from a young girl who was exploited via her cell phone on a messaging application called “KIK Messenger”. Jason McLean (DOB: October 15, 1994), of Saskatoon, has been arrested and charged with Possession of Child Pornography x 3, Accessing Child Pornography x 3, Making Child Pornography x 3, Invitation to Sexual Touching, Criminal Harassment and Extortion. “KIK Messenger” is just one of many applications available for cell phones that allows for people to text and send pictures to each other. Parents are encouraged to be aware of what applications are installed on their children’s cell phones and what type of activity is going on. This investigation is ongoing and further charges are pending. McLean’s next court appearance is June 13, 2013.
On February 7, 2013 members of the Saskatchewan ICE Unit with the assistance of the Cumberland House RCMP Detachment executed a search warrant on a residence located on the Cumberland House Cree Nation. The investigation was initiated after a complaint was made by a US based electronic service provider. A 53 year old man was arrested and charged for possessing child pornography.
Further investigation led to the same man being arrested on May 8, 2013 for Make Child Pornography, Distribute Child Pornography, Sexual Assault, Sexual Interference, Invitation to Sexual Touching and Breach of Undertaking. The victim has been identified and was under the age of 16 years old at the time the offences are alleged to have been committed.
The name of the victim and accused will not be released to protect the victim’s identity.
The Saskatchewan ICE Unit is comprised of members from the Regina Police Service, Saskatoon Police Service, Prince Albert Police Service and the RCMP. Their mandate is to investigate all Internet child exploitation offences.
