The Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team’s (ALERT) unit focusing on child exploitation has laid a number of charges against an Edmonton physician, following an online investigation.
ALERT’s northern Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) unit said their members, working with officers from the Edmonton Police Service and RCMP, executed a search warrant at a home in Edmonton on Jan. 10.
The 29-year-old suspect was arrested without incident, and investigators seized computer equipment, including electronic storage devices from the home.
On Thursday, ICE said Michael Graff, 29, has been charged with luring to commit sexual interference, luring to commit invitation to sexual touching, and luring to commit indecent exposure – in addition to another count of luring related to child pornography.
Investigators said Graff is a physician in Edmonton.
It’s alleged the accused was luring someone under the age of 18 over the internet.
“It was an online chat room that identified the activities in relation to what he is charged with today,” Sgt. Mike Lokken with ICE said.
ICE is still investigating the case, officials are still examining the seized computer equipment and devices.
As for Graff’s work, the College of Physicians and Surgeons could suspend him until an investigation is complete.
“As of right now, he is allowed to practice,” Kelly Eby with the College of Physicians and Surgeons said. “Whether he is actually working, I don’t know.”
Graff made his first court appearance on Jan. 11.
The accused is not in custody, but was released on a number of conditions including: No contact with any child under the age of 16, unless a parent or guardian is present.
His next court appearance has been scheduled for Feb. 12.
With files from David Ewasuk
