Officers with ALERT’s Internet Child Exploitation team said a central Alberta man was facing a number of charges related to child sexual exploitation, firearms, and cruelty to animals.

Police said their investigation started after the suspect reportedly uploaded child sexual exploitation material online through social media.

As a result, his home in Nevis, Alberta was searched, and police seized a number of electronic devices, an early examination found child sexual exploitation material, and material showing offences involving his pet dog.

The dog was seized and taken to a veterinary clinic.

ALERT also seized three unsecured firearms from the home.

Cris Marshall, 25, was arrested on October 12 with help from RCMP Stettler members in Byemoor, Alberta.

Now, Marshall is facing charges of cruelty to animals, making bestiality, accessing child exploitation materials, possessing child exploitation materials, making available child exploitation materials, making child pornography, three counts of careless storage of a firearm and possession of a prohibited weapon.