Headingley man facing several child sexual exploitation charges

A Winnipeg Police Service cruiser is shown in an undated file image. (CTV News Winnipeg)

A 36-year-old Headingley man is facing numerous child sexual exploitation material charges, Winnipeg police say.

The police service’s internet child exploitation (ICE) unit started its investigation in May after receiving information about a suspect communicating online with a child in Ohio. The information was reported to the department by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, police say.

Police said a search warrant was obtained after the investigation revealed ongoing communication between the man and a child, and a home in Headingley was identified.

On Tuesday, investigators from the unit served the warrant and seized multiple electronic devices with the help of police dog Willow.

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The man was arrested during the search and is now facing numerous child exploitation charges, including possession of child sexual abuse material, two counts of luring a minor by means of telecommunication and three counts of sharing sexually explicit material with a minor.

None of the charges have been tested in court. He was released on an undertaking with conditions to protect minors.

Winnipeg police reiterated their commitment to supporting survivors of sexual assault and exploitation. Anyone wishing to speak to an investigator can contact the ICE unit at 204-986-6172 or online.