27, 2016, Nine Mile River, Nova Scotia…In April 2015, Lower Sackville RCMP responded to a complaint regarding two female youths, ages 11 and 12, who were receiving inappropriate messages online . The complaint was turned over to the RCMP Internet Child Exploitation Unit for further investigation.

With assistance from the Integrated Internet Child Exploitation Unit (ICE) of the Criminal Investigation Division and the National Child Exploitation Coordination Centre (NCECC), officers conducted a ten-month investigation. During that time, evidence was gathered indicating that a Nova Scotia man was presenting himself as a 15-year-old male online and sending inappropriate messages to female youth.

On Tuesday, January 26, officers conducted a traffic stop and arrested 44-year-old Todd Allen Sawler without incident.  Investigators then conducted a search at a Nine Mile River residence and seized electronic devices. Sawler has been charged with two counts of Child Luring and one count of Making Sexually Explicit Material Available to a Child.

“Unfortunately we see this type of activity all too often and we want to remind citizens about the importance of being cautious while online,” says Cst. Vicki Colford with the RCMP ICE Unit. “We also urge parents to take a close look at their children’s social media accounts and ask questions. You know who your child’s school friends are, but it’s just as important to know who their online friends are. ”

Sawler will appearing later today at Halifax Provincial Court. The investigation is ongoing.

Source: Media Release