By Sheena Roszell

RCMP in Fort St. John searching for possible victims of extortion

Jan 23, 2018 | 9:29 AM

Police in the northern B.C. city have recently learned from the B.C. Integrated Child Exploitation unit (BC ICE) that several teens may have been victims of sextortion, where they provided intimate photos of themselves to someone posing as a friend online.

RCMP say there could be more victims that haven’t come forward yet.

Parents are asked to speak to school-age children to find out if they have shared intimate photos of themselves on the internet or by cell phone, or if they have been approached to do so.

“We have a few individuals who have come forward and now we believe there are more (victims) out there,” said Sgt. Dave Tyreman. “The more we can find out, the better.  We can get more information regarding the I.P. addresses that are being used or the handle/name being used.  All different sources of social media are being used in these cases.”  

Tyreman says teens who are in this situation might have a tough time going to a parent, but it’s very important they tell someone like a friend who can tell their parents, a school counselor, principal, police officer, or somebody from a place of worship. 

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“Somebody in a position of authority or trust that they can go to and that person is going to help them out.  The last thing anybody is ever going to do is judge.  We are there to help and to try and stop this.”

Possession or circulation of intimate pictures of anyone under the age of 18 is considered a criminal offence.

“The bottom line is, as parents we need to know what our kids are doing, whether it be online or with their electronic devices,” Tyreman said. “As parents, we need to kind of internet-proof our kids as well as know exactly what they’re doing and what’s going on and what devices they’re using and who they are communicating with.” 

Investigators are working to identify the person responsible. Those with information that could help with this investigation are asked to contact Fort St. John RCMP at 250-787-7100.