Edmonton man charged with child luring and sexual assault: ALERT
Posted July 13, 2023 11:40 am.
Last Updated July 13, 2023 1:53 pm.
The Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) says an Edmonton man has been charged with child luring and sexual assault.
ALERT’s Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) unit says 34-year-old Aarron Kowalchuk was arrested in June with the help of the Edmonton Police Service.
At the time of the arrest, officers seized a backpack, which had a taser in it. Officers also seized the Kowalchuk’s phone and computer devices.
ICE says analysis of the phone and computer devices, officers were able to uncover child sexual exploitation materials and incriminating online chat logs.
Investigators believe the Kowalchuk was sending children sexually explicit materials and attempting to meet for sex. Some of the children, as young as 9-year-old.
It is also believed he met and sexually assaulted at least two children, who they have been unable to identify, but believe the incidents took place in the Edmonton area.
Following digital evidence officers were able to get from his phone, the Kowalchuk is facing the following charges:
- Child luring;
- Arrangement of a sexual offence against a child;
- Making sexually explicit material available to a child;
- Making child pornography;
- Possession of child pornography;
- Distribution of child pornography; and
- Possession of a prohibited device.
He remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on July 14, 2023.
