Child pornography charges laid against Alberta RCMP officer
A constable with the RCMP stationed at its St. Paul, Alta., detachment has been charged with child sexual exploitation offences.
Evan Peacock, 33, was arrested Thursday and charged with two counts each of possessing, distributing and accessing child pornography, according to an Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams news release.
ALERT is an integrated policing unit made up of provincial law enforcement resources with a focus on serious and organized crime.
ALERT's Internet Child Exploitation unit began its investigation in November 2023 when the suspect allegedly uploaded two videos depicting child sexual exploitation to Snapchat.
"While the investigation and charges are related to online offences, the nature of the suspect's employment placed him in a position of trust and authority," the news release said.
"ICE is encouraging anyone with information about this case to come forward and contact police."
Peacock, a three-year member of the RCMP, has been suspended with pay.
The unit received the information from the RCMP's National Child Exploitation Crime Centre, and the identity of the suspect was only learned late this month, the release said.
"ICE investigators acted expeditiously to make an arrest," the release said.
Police said they seized evidence from the suspect's St. Paul home and will be conducting a forensic investigation on devices seized.
Peacock's next scheduled court appearance is May 23 in St. Paul.
