A Grande Prairie man accused of child luring and pornography charges has pleaded not guilty. The 34-year-old made the plea in court last week and has elected to a trial by a provincial court judge. His name and the names of his victims are protected by a publication ban.
The suspect was arrested in January and police allege he would pose as a teenage girl online in order to lure teenage boys. He was reportedly using photos and names of innocent third parties to make internet personas.
ALERT’s Internet Child Exploitation Unit alleges some conversations included the sharing of images and videos. A concerned relative reported that he had lured and tried to sexually assault a Grande Prairie boy.
At the time of his arrest, ICE said two alleged victims had been identified, but it’s expected there are more. The man should be back in Grande Prairie court next week to set a date for trial. He is out on bail with conditions.