The bedroom involved in an alleged sexual assault between a 16-year-old and a girl between the ages of six and 10. (submitted photo)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

youth charged

Child exploitation unit trying to identify bedroom potentially from Nanaimo or Ladysmith home

Sep 21, 2023 | 11:19 AM

NANAIMO — Investigators in Edmonton looking into a potential sexual assault case involving a young child say there might be a link to the central Island region.

Officers from the Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) unit from the Edmonton Police Service arrested a 16-year-old suspect on Aug. 17 on suspicion of sexually assaulting a girl between the ages of six and 10.

The youth was then charged with possession, accessing and transmitting child pornography.

Investigators found video on the youth’s cell phone which police say features a bedroom involved in the alleged incident which could be in Edmonton, or potentially Nanaimo or Ladysmith.

““Our hope is that someone recognizes this crime scene and can help locate our victim. We believe this victim has suffered extensively and want to provide them with the support they deserve,” Sgt. Kerry Shima, ALERT ICE, said in a statement.

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Police say the individual arrested was living outside Edmonton, in an area north of the Alberta capital called Bon Accord.

However, police say the suspect also lived in the Nanaimo and Ladysmith areas.

“It is believed the victim and suspect knew each other, but ICE is limited in what information can be provided in order to protect the suspect’s identity under the Youth Criminal Justice Act,” the statement continued.

An investigation into the incident continues involving police in Nanaimo, Ladysmith and Edmonton.

Anyone with information is asked to contact their local police department.

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