A Comox Valley man has been arrested and charged for accessing, distributing, and possessing child pornography following an investigation that was initiated in September 2018 by the British Columbia Integrated Child Exploitation (BC ICE) Unit.
BC ICE launched an investigation and in May 2020, BC ICE, with the assistance of the Comox Valley RCMP, executed a search warrant at a residence in the Courtenay area. A man associated with that residence was arrested.
BC ICE completed a thorough and complete investigation, and the results were submitted to the BC Prosecution Service for consideration of appropriate charges.
The BC Prosecution Service recently approved charges for the recommended offences and on September 9, 2020, Joseph Stephane Mallette was officially charged with one count of accessing child pornography, two counts of distributing child pornography, and two counts of possessing child pornography.
Mr. Mallette was released on a number of conditions prohibiting him from possessing or using computer devices and restricting his access to the internet. He is not to be in the presence of anyone under 16 and not to attend places where persons under 16 are expected to be present.
Mr. Mallette is expected to appear in court on January 21, 2021.
Cpl. Sharen Leung of BC ICE states, If you know Mr. Mallette and observe him be contravening any of his release conditions, we ask you contact your local police to report.
