ALERT’s Internet Child Exploitation Unit (ICE) has arrested an Edmonton man and laid charges in connection to alleged child exploitation, involving two teenage boys.

Investigators with ICE, along with help from Edmonton police, carried out a search warrant at a home in north Edmonton on July 27.

In that home, multiple electronic devices were seized, and police arrested Justin Georges Stephen Coulombe, 33.

ALERT said he represents himself in public as a member of the Catholic clergy, but he has no official connection to the Catholic church.

Now, Coulombe is facing charges of two counts luring to commit making child pornography, and single charges of luring to commit an offence against a child, sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching, sexual assault, possession of child pornography and extortion.

ICE started investigating after the mother of one of the alleged victims came forward, with information about sexually graphic messages that had been exchanged online for a number of months.

“When the hairs on the back of her neck stood up, she took steps to figure out why,” Detective Brian Cross said.

It’s alleged the relationship with the boy had then become sexual, it’s believed offences against the second victim were committed online.

Early investigation of the devices seized by investigators led to the child porn charges.

Lorraine Turchansky with the Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton responded to allegations the accused claimed to be a Catholic priest.

“He’s never been ordained as a Catholic priest at the Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton or any diocese in Canada, or the United States,” Turchansky said.

Police said Coulombe moved to Edmonton from Langley, B.C. at the beginning of the year. Investigators believe there could be more victims, and are asking for anyone with details – in either province, to come forward. Anyone with information is asked to contact their local police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Coulombe has been released on a number of court-imposed conditions. He’s scheduled to appear in court on Monday, August 21.

With files from Jeremy Thompson