By EverythingGP Staff

MAN AND WOMAN CHARGED

Grande Prairie pair charged with child pornography offences

Dec 17, 2020 | 4:11 PM

The RCMP have charged two Grande Prairie residents for child pornography offences, following a lengthy investigation.

Authorities say an investigation began in late 2018 when Grande Prairie RCMP were notified by Northern Alberta Internet Child Exploitation (NAICE) of child pornography images having been uploaded to a social media platform.

Grande Prairie RCMP’s General Investigation Section (GIS), along with NAICE, then began a lengthy investigation to identify the location and source of the images.

In December 2019, the GIS team executed a search warrant on a Westpointe residence. The search resulted in the seizure of numerous electronic devices and phones, which were then sent for forensic examination.

On December 16, 2020, RCMP arrested 29-year-old Ryan Matchett and 31-year-old Melissa Murdock, who have each been charged with possession of child pornography and transmits child pornography.

A Judicial Interim Release Hearing was held for both Matchett and Murdock, who were released from custody with numerous conditions.

Matchett and Murdock are next scheduled to appear in Grande Prairie Provincial Court on January 18.