Brandon man charged in child porn investigation

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This article was published 07/02/2025 (222 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A Brandon man faces child pornography and sexual assault charges after Brandon police were notified this week that an individual was “possibly” creating child sexual abuse material of children in his care.

In a press release on Thursday afternoon, the Brandon Police Service (BPS) announced that its Major Crime Section started investigating on Feb. 3 after being contacted by the National Child Exploitation Centre.

Through the investigation, police said, they learned that the 37-year-old suspect and his common-law partner operate a daycare out of their city residence, and are also foster parents of six children. The ages of the children were not specified by BPS.

Following this, the Major Crime Section — including Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) investigators, child abuse investigators and patrol members — attended the residence with Manitoba Child and Family Services. The suspect was found in the residence and arrested. Officers also found his common-law partner and all six children inside the building.

Using a search warrant, police seized computer systems found on site. Police also said they “safeguarded” the children, although they didn’t specify what that meant.

The male suspect was then arrested and lodged at the BPS building, and appeared in court on Tuesday to be charged with making child pornography, possession of child pornography, accessing child pornography, distributing child pornography and sexual assault. He was later remanded in custody.

Police further stated it’s believed that the distribution of the pornographic material was being done at an international level, although they didn’t provide general information such as where the material was alleged to have been distributed and how.

Upon further examination of the evidence, the male suspect has also been arrested for, and charged with additional offences, including sexual assault and sexual interference.

Brandon police have also identified the 37-year-old as a suspect in an incident from June 9, 2024 in which images of child pornography were uploaded, stored and distributed. Further investigation resulted in additional charges of sexual assault, sexual interference and assault. He was arrested for these charges on Wednesday at the Brandon Correctional Centre, where he is currently in custody following Tuesday’s appearance in court. He was also slated to appear in court yesterday.

Citing a need to protect the identities of the victims and their families, Brandon police stated they would not provide further details or make any further comments on Thursday. However, in doing so, they didn’t provide key information about the case, such as whether the foster children or children who attended the day care were victimized — and the suspect therefore in a position of trust at the time of the alleged offences.

BPS said it is working with partner agencies at CFS and the Toba Centre for Children & Youth Inc. in order to provide the support required to both the victims and their families.

Media have been invited to a press conference at 2 p.m. today at Brandon City Hall about the ongoing investigation. Police have indicated they intend to limit questions, citing the ongoing investigation.

» The Brandon Sun