The Internet Child Exploitation unit (ICE) of the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) has laid 15 child exploitation charges against a 38-year-old Edmonton man.
Michael John Patterson has been charged with six counts of luring, five counts of criminal harassment, two counts of distributing child pornography, and two counts of extortion.
The charges come after a lengthy investigation following complaints about a man believed to be involved in inappropriate communication with five alleged victims, between the age of 13 to 17.
The suspect was arrested and charged Monday. ICE seized several electronic devices for forensic examination.
Patterson appeared in court Tuesday and was released on bail. Bail conditions included: not having contact with any of the victims or anyone under 16 and not possessing or using any electronic devices with access to the Internet.
Patterson is scheduled to appear again in court Friday, September 13.
