Achi news desk-
An Alberta RCMP officer has been charged with child sexual exploitation offences.
Evan Peacock, 33, a constable with the St. Paul RCMP charge, was arrested Thursday after an investigation by the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT).
The ALERT Internet Child Exploitation unit began an investigation last November after someone uploaded two videos showing child sexual exploitation to SnapChat.
Police say they learned who the person was in late April, and immediately made an arrest.
Peacock, a three-year member of the RCMP, has been charged with two counts each of possession, distribution and access to child pornography.
He was released from custody under a number of court-ordered conditions, and is expected to appear in court in St. Paul on May 23.
He has been suspended with pay by the RCMP.
Alberta’s director of law enforcement has also been notified.
A warrant was executed at the suspect’s home in St Paul, and electronic devices were seized.
A forensic examination will be carried out on the devices, as the investigation continues.
ALERT says although the charges against Peacock stem from online activities, there is concern because his position has placed him in a position of trust and authority in the community.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact their local police, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
