In a sting dubbed Project STEEL, Saskatchewan Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) unit arrested people in Lloydminster, Cando, Moose Jaw, and Regina.
Between Feb. 17 to 28, the Sask. ICE unit participated in the nationwide initiative targeting child sexual abuse and exploitation offenders. The project brought together 63 law enforcement partners across Canada and led to 106 arrests nationwide.
RCMP Insp. Matthieu Girard told a news conference the recent sweep, known as Project Steel, led to the identification of dozens of victims and 37 children being rescued.
During this time period, six search warrants were executed in locations across Saskatchewan.
Nikola Ecim, age 38, of Regina is charged with possession of child pornography, make available child pornography, accessing child pornography, unsafe storage of firearms, two counts of unauthorized possession of a firearm, and possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition. Ecim appears in Regina court March 20.
Peter Palmer, 36, of Regina, is charged with possession of child pornography, make available child pornography, and accessing child pornography. Palmer appears in Regina court on April 9.
Kieran Stevenson-Hastings, 36, of Moose Jaw, is charged with possession of child pornography, make available child pornography, and accessing child pornography. Stevenson-Hastings appears in Moose Jaw court on April 28.
Blaisen Nicotine, 25, of Cando is charged with make child pornography, possession of child pornography, distribution of child pornography, sexual assault, sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching, and committing an indecent act. Nicotine appears in North Battleford court on March 7.
Donald Church, 66, of Lloydminster, is charged with two counts of possession of child pornography, and accessing child pornography. Church appears in Lloydminster, Sask., court on March 12.
Investigations into child sexual abuse and exploitation are continuing across the country.
The Saskatchewan ICE Unit is comprised of investigators from the Saskatchewan RCMP, Regina Police Service, Saskatoon Police Service, and Prince Albert Police Service. Their mandate is to investigate crimes involving the abuse and/or exploitation of children on the internet.
