BC Man Arrested for Luring 13 Year Old Female Via The Internet
These types of stories carry a double-edged sword, in part because it reminds us all that the internet has a dark and evil underbelly, but it also reminds us how important it is to teach our children about internet safety and to be involved in their lives.
On May 25 2011 the RCMP Integrated Child Exploitation unit, with the assistance of the New Westminster Police department, arrested a 27 year old male identified as Brandon Parisien from his home in New Westminster. Parisien was arrested for using the internet to expose himself to a 13 year old female and to attempt to meet with that female to have sex.
What Parisien did not know is that the 13 year old female that he was communicating with was in fact a police officer from the RCMP Child Exploitation unit.
“Every time we can arrest someone who is actively looking to take sexual advantage of children over the internet, we feel extremely satisfied that the community has one less predator to worry about” said Corporal Van LaerR, from the RCMP Child Exploitation unit.
Parisien was identified after contacting and engaging in chat room conversations with someone he believed to be a 13 year old female. Once it was determined that Parisien was living in New Westminster, the RCMP Child Exploitation unit contacted the New Westminster Police department and a joint operation was put together. This operation lead to the successful arrest of Parisien, who was then brought before the court in New Westminster on the same day. Parisien was later released from custody under strict conditions, including no contact with any children under the age of 16. Parisien is living alone and does not have any children. His computer equipment was seized and police confirmed that Child Pornography pictures and videos were also found on that equipment.
“This is yet another reminder for parents and children to be aware that these predators are Online and will not hesitate to engage children in conversation quickly leading to sexual exploitation” adds Corporal Van Laer.
Parents and children alike are reminded that any unusual Online activity should be immediately reported to their local police department or can be directly reported online at CyberTip, a website dedicated to these investigations and on which anonymous complaints can be filed.