Couple facing bestiality charges

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This article was published 28/11/2024 (321 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

WINNIPEG — A criminal case described as “deeply disturbing” by police has led to bestiality charges against a Winnipeg couple previously accused of torturing animals for profit, with investigators now saying there is evidence they discussed inflicting the same harm on a child.

“We’ve never seen anything like this,” Const. Stephen Spencer said Wednesday at Winnipeg Police Service headquarters.

“This case is deeply disturbing, and I want to acknowledge the impact it may have on our community. Crimes like these can be difficult to hear about and may leave many feeling upset and uneasy.”

Irene Lima, 55, and Chad Kabecz, 40, were arrested in October and charged with numerous offences related to animal cruelty. Police launched an investigation in August after receiving a report from the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian about videos and pictures shared on the dark web showing the torture and killing of animals.

Analysis of several electronic devices seized from the couple’s Lord Roberts home uncovered hundreds of videos and photographs, and tens of thousands of encrypted communications between the duo — resulting in several new charges this week.

Investigators determined several images of child pornography were accessed on a device belonging to the couple between May and October. Police have not identified any of the children in the images.

“Investigators also discovered communications where Lima and Kabecz discussed their intention to torture a child,” Spencer said. “There was also a sexual component to this offence.”

Spencer said neither Kabecz nor Lima are believed to have children of their own. Investigators have not uncovered evidence that they have harmed any children, he said.

Investigators believe Kabecz established an underground online network in June where prospective members were required to submit a video of themselves killing an animal to gain entry. Police said the couple facilitated the creation and distribution of the content and profited from it financially.

More than 75 animals were filmed or photographed being tortured and killed between May 20 and Oct. 7, police said, adding there was also a sexual component to some of the acts.

“Due to the nature of online criminal activity, this investigation has expanded internationally, reaching several other countries. Law-enforcement agencies in those countries will continue pursuing their own investigations as part of this ongoing effort,” Spencer said.

“At this time, I don’t believe that anyone else in Winnipeg was involved.”

Spencer could not provide an exact figure for how much money the couple made from the illicit videos, but said current evidence indicates it was under $5,000.

Lima has been charged with additional crimes, including six counts each of killing or injuring animals and causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, four counts of bestiality and single counts of accessing child pornography; making, printing, publishing or possessing child pornography for the purpose of publication; conspiracy to commit an indictable offence and possession of proceeds of crime under $5,000.

Kabecz is charged with additional offences, including four counts of compelling the commission of bestiality, six counts of killing or injuring animals, accessing child pornography and one count of uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm. He was granted bail last month but was taken back into custody Tuesday. Kabecz appeared briefly in bail court by video Wednesday.

His case was adjourned to Friday to set a date for a bail hearing. Details of that hearing cannot be disclosed because of a court-ordered publication ban.

Lima has remained in custody since her first arrest. She was scheduled to apply for bail Wednesday morning, but her case was adjourned to Dec. 6 to allow her lawyer time to review the new charges. She did not appear in court.

None of the charges against Lima or Kabecz have been proven in court.

“I spoke to her a couple of minutes ago, and she agrees with my reasoning,” defence lawyer Mike Cook told provincial court Judge Robert Heinrichs. “I have not had an opportunity to go through any of the new allegations against her, so it would be foolhardy for me to proceed today.”

A dozen animal advocates filled all but two seats in the tiny court gallery during the hearing, while a handful of protesters stood outside the Law Courts Building.

Clint Loxton, who carried a sign describing the maximum penalties for animal cruelty charges as “a slap on the wrist,” said he has been disturbed by the allegations against Lima and Kabecz.

Under the Criminal Code, cruelty to animals carries a maximum sentence of five years.

“I was so upset, I could not stop crying. Even talking about it now affects me,” he said outside court. “For me, I really want stronger laws against this … I will be here with a sign until justice is served.”

Loxton said he feels the public should be more concerned about people who harm animals, adding it can be a precursor to violent offences against humans.

“They are defenceless,” he said.

“They are more than just animals — they are people’s companions.”

Spencer said police are not anticipating further charges, but emphasized the investigation is ongoing and additional evidence may be uncovered.

The WPS asked the public to have “patience and trust in the legal process” and warned that any sort of harassment toward the two accused will not be tolerated.

A resident of the condo complex where Lima and Kabecz live told the Winnipeg Free Press last month that there had been cases of vandalism at the building since the couple was first arrested. Another resident saw a truck, believed to be Kabecz’s, towed away after its tires were slashed.

» Winnipeg Free Press, with files from Dean Pritchard

“While these investigations can take a significant toll on those involved, including our investigators, they are driven by a shared commitment to safety and well being of every citizen in Winnipeg. Together, we can work toward fostering a community where acts like this have no place,” Spencer said.

Police asked anyone who wants to speak to an investigator about the case to call the east district community support unit at 204-986-3707.

» Winnipeg Free Press, with files from Dean Pritchard