KAWARTHA LAKES-A Calgary man has been charged with a number of offences, including child luring, extortion, and counselling suicide, following a cross-Canada investigation involving ALERT and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
ALERT’s Internet Child Exploitation unit and the OPP’s Child Sexual Exploitation Unit (CSEU) coordinated on a six-month investigation where an Ontario girl reported she was sexually extorted and harassed online. The offences date back a period of five years when the victim was 11 years old according to police.
The victim reported receiving unsolicited messages from an unknown suspect on various social media channels. Police say the messages were both sexual and violent in nature. Initially, the victim was pressured into sending sexually explicit photos, and when the victim relented, the suspect allegedly threatened to kill the victim’s family. Further, police say the suspect coerced the victim to attempt suicide.
“This is a truly heartbreaking case with the victim enduring years of abuse and suffering. It comes at a great relief to make an arrest and will undoubtedly help in the victims healing process.” said Det. Krista Mapplebeck, Internet Child Exploitation Unit.
The investigation identified an Alberta-based suspect and a Calgary home was searched on October 21, 2021
Brody Provost, 28 years old, was arrested and charged with:
- Counselling suicide;
- Extortion;
- Intimidation;
- Child luring;
- Harassing telecommunications;
- Uttering threats;
- Making child pornography;
- Distribution of child pornography;
- Possession of child pornography;
- Accessing child pornography; and,
- Making explicit materials available to a child.
A number of electronic devices were seized from Provost’s Calgary home and will be subject to expert forensic analysis.
Police are exploring the possibility of identifying other victims.
Anyone with information about these investigations, or any child exploitation offence is encouraged to contact local police or cybertip.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.
