Child-porn related charges have been laid against a Hinton man, already facing a number of charges stemming from a case of alleged sexual assault against a young girl.

The Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team’s (ALERT) northern Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) unit said the investigation began in the fall of 2012 – after the 58-year-old man was charged with sexual assault, sexual interference and sexual exploitation, for offences allegedly committed against a young girl.

“In this case, it was the result of a brave little girl who came forward to her parents, and was able to tell them,” Sgt. Mike Lokken with ALERT said. “They in turn came to the police.”

As part of their investigation, the ICE unit and police executed a search warrant on a residence, where a number of electronic devices were seized.

Following additional investigation that included the examination of the seized devices, more victims were identified – and more charges were laid.

“Through forensic analysis of devices that were seized in their initial investigation, we’ve identified three other victims and identified other charges,” Sgt. Lokken said.

Now, the accused is facing five counts of possession of child pornography, four counts of making child pornography and one count of accessing child pornography.

Due to a publication ban, the accused cannot be named to protect the identities of the victims.

His next court appearance has been scheduled for Jan. 22.