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Trail RCMP track down online predator

Trail RCMP have picked up a suspect in relation to an online predator investigation that continues.

Trail RCMP have picked up a suspect in relation to an online predator investigation that continues.

The young person is facing several charges – including uttering threats, two counts of invitation to sexual touching, two counts of luring a child and two counts of extortion – following an investigation that sprung mid-November.

“Police are reminding parents and youth in our community to exercise caution when engaging in any interaction on social media websites,” said Cpl. Dave Johnson in a news release.

Police first received two leads on an account user making physical threats to convince local boys around 13 years old to add him as a friend on Facebook. Once added, the suspect made sexual remarks and in some instances, asked the youth to remove their clothes while using a web camera.

The suspect and victims identities in this investigation are all protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

“This investigation is ongoing and involves a large number of potential victims that are still being tracked down by investigators,” said Johnson. “More charges may be sworn if additional evidence of offences is established.”

The suspect was arrested on Nov. 18, when a search warrant was obtained and digital equipment was seized. After the arrest, the suspect was released with strict conditions and with a first appearance court date set in early December.