A member of the Parkland County Fire Services has been charged with child sexual exploitation offences following an investigation by ALERT’s Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) unit.
Matthew Shaw was arrested on June 5 with the help of the Parkland RCMP. The 26-year-old man is charged with possession of child pornography, accessing child pornography, and transmitting child pornography, as well as two counts of unsafe storage of a firearm.
Shaw allegedly distributed child sexual abuse material over the social media application Snapchat. ALERT was notified of the alleged offence by the RCMP’s National Child Exploitation Crime Center in October 2023.
“We have charged suspects from all sorts of professions, all walks of life, and there is truly no demographic profile. This underscores the needs for awareness and education between parents and children concerning online safety,” said Staff Sgt. Jon Morrison, ALERT ICE.
A number of computers and electronic devices were seized from Shaw’s home, which are now being examined to collect further evidence. During the search of his home, several firearms were located, which were not being lawfully stored.
While the investigation and charges are related to online offences, and firearms offences, the nature of Shaw’s employment placed him in a position of trust and authority. ICE is encouraging anyone with information about this case to come forward and contact police. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact local police or Crime Stoppers (1-800-222-TIPS).
Shaw was released from custody on a number of court-imposed conditions and is awaiting his next scheduled court appearance on July 3, 2024.
ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime.
