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New Westminster – A Coquitlam man is facing child pornography charges following a two year investigation by Transit Police, stemming from a mobile phone that was left behind at a New Westminster SkyTrain Station.
On October 13, 2021, a transit passenger found an abandoned mobile phone on a bench in the bus loop at Braid SkyTrain Station. While searching for contact information for the owner, the transit passenger found images of young children in a state of undress. They immediately contacted police.
In the two years that followed, the Transit Police General Investigation Unit worked tirelessly to identify the suspect, a 61-year-old man from Coquitlam, who is not known to police, and to meticulously gather necessary evidence. This was made possible thanks to assistance from the Abbotsford Police Forensic Unit, the BC Integrated Child Exploitation Team, the Vancouver Police Department Internet Child Exploitation Team, and the New Westminster Police Department.
On October 4, 2022, a search warrant was executed at the suspect’s home, resulting in the seizure of two computer hard drives, which contained over 2,500 images of child pornography.
On October 19, 2023, one count of possession of child pornography and one count of access child pornography were approved by the courts. The suspect was arrested and released on strict conditions that include: no contact with any person under the age of eighteen years; no go to any public park, public swimming area, daycare centre, school or playground; and he must not access any device capable of connecting to the internet. The suspect’s next court appearance is scheduled for the end of November.
“Crime of any kind will never be tolerated on transit, especially that which exploits young children or other vulnerable groups. Transit Police will always strive to ensure that those who cause harm to others are held accountable.”
– Constable Amanda Steed
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