A Calgary elementary school principal has been charged with child porn-related offences after an investigation by the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit.
ALERT was notified by the RCMP’s National Child Exploitation Crime Centre in January this year that the accused had allegedly uploaded child sexual abuse materials via Skype. A search of the accused’s home resulted in the seizure of phones and computers, police said.
According to ALERT, preliminary forensic analysis allegedly showed that the seized devices had child sexual abuse materials on his work-issued cellphone.
The ICE Unit charged Bruce Campbell, 61, on April 16, with possessing and accessing child pornography. Campbell was employed as the principal at Sacred Heart Elementary School in Calgary.
“Currently we believe these offences are solely related to online activities, but can appreciate how parents and students would be shocked and concerned about these charges,” said Staff Sergeant Mark Auger, ALERT ICE, in a news release posted online.
The Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD) said they were fully cooperating with the ALERT investigation. They are encouraging anyone with further information to contact police (403-266-1234) or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
“The Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD) is shocked and saddened by this information. This principal is no longer employed at our district,” they said in an email statement.
“The safety of our students and staff is our top priority. District counsellors are available as always to support students. Our thoughts and prayers are with anyone who has been impacted.”
Campbell was released from custody with court-imposed conditions and is scheduled to appear in a Calgary court on May 10.
