A man has been sentenced to six-and-a-half years in jail after pleading guilty to sexual exploitation and making child pornography.
The New Westminster Police Department has issued a press release in relation to the case. Names connected to the investigation aren’t being shared because of a publication ban.
According to the NWPD, a youth reported to officers in August 2020 that they were a victim of sexual offences. The police department immediately provided support to the youth through the Victim Assistance Unit.
After the youth reported the offences to police, the NWPD’s Specialized Investigations Unit took conduct of the investigation.
“The investigation took approximately one year, and during that time, detectives learned that the victim was subjected to sexual offences over a period of years,” said the news release. “The victim was provided ongoing support by the Victim Assistance Unit as the court case progressed.”
In October 2023, the accused, who lived in New Westminster at the time of the offences, pled guilty to sexual exploitation and making child pornography; he was sentenced to 6.5 years in a penitentiary.
“We’re inspired by the strength of this youth to come forward and ask for help,” said NWPD Sgt. Andrew Leaver. “The sexual exploitation of children is deplorable, and the Specialized Investigation Unit is mandated to investigate these kinds of crimes with compassion and care. If you harm children and produce child pornography in New Westminster, you can count on going to jail.”
The New Westminster Police Department created the Specialized Investigations Unit in 2018 specifically to investigate sexual offences. Investigations prioritize a victim-centered and trauma informed approach, and the unit provides assistance to people of all gender identities.
Anyone wishing to contact the Specialized Investigations Unit can call the New Westminster Police Department at 604-525-5411.
