An Abbotsford teen has been arrested and faces charges after allegedly demanding naked and sexual images from an 11-year-old boy in Texas.
Const. Ian MacDonald of the Abbotsford Police Department (APD) said the major crime unit (MCU) was contacted last October by investigators in Texas about a boy who was the victim of cyberbullying and extortion.
It was believed that the offender was living in Abbotsford.
MacDonald said the suspect both threatened the boy and promised him rewards for complying with the demands.
He said the two boys initially began contact over social media, and the exchanges lasted for several weeks before the victim reported the interactions to his parents.
The MCU executed a search warrant last month at an Abbotsford home, and seized computers and a cellphone.
MacDonald said “lots” of disturbing images were discovered on the seized items, and many of them were stored in such a way that they could be accessed by other people.
He described the material as “extremely troubling.”
“The accused is not coming off our radar,” MacDonald said.
A male in his mid-teens was arrested and now faces charges of child luring, extortion, making child pornography, sexual interference and making available child pornography.
MacDonald said the investigation did not turn up any other victims, and he commended the 11-year-old boy for his courage in coming forward, despite the threats he received.
“If it weren’t for those actions, the offences would have continued and potentially could have involved many other victims,” MacDonald added.
He said the investigation serves as a reminder to parents of children of all ages that monitoring the online activities and associations of their kids is a “necessary precaution.”
The identity of the teen who was arrested is protected by law under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
