EDMONTON — A former Edmonton-based soldier faces more than 100 charges related to child pornography and luring.
“This is an exceptionally disturbing case of alleged child sexual exploitation using computers and social media,” Col. Rob Delaney, acting Provost Marshall of the Canadian Forces said Thursday in a release.
Delaney, the most senior military police officer in the country, said the allegations are “a grim reminder that there are predators out there who can and will use technology and social media to exploit our children’s innocence — and it is our responsibility to protect these most vulnerable members of our society.”
The Canadian Forces National Investigation Service said the investigation was conducted with several other law enforcement agencies across North America. A military police official said they began their investigation in 2011 into allegations of improper conduct.
Details of the allegations were not released.
Matthew Richervezeau, 23, has been charged with 119 counts of child luring, possession of child pornography and other charges.
The military handed over the results of the investigation to the Alberta Crown earlier this year. The case is now being handled by Alberta’s Justice Department.
Richervezeau was being held in custody in the Edmonton area pending a Sept 5. court appearance.
Canadian Forces military police said Richervezeau joined the army in 2011 and served as an armour crewman with the Edmonton-based Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) regiment.
He left the army voluntarily in May.