Vernon man arrested for child porn and online luring

VERNON – Parents are being reminded to keep an eye on their kids after a Vernon man was arrested for luring young girls over the internet.

On July 4 the Vernon RCMP received information that a 39-year-old Vernon man was suspected in a case of child luring and possession of child pornography.

The RCMP and B.C. Integrated Child Exploitation (ICE) immediately launched an investigation. Just two weeks later, on July 17, they executed a search warrant on a 47th Avenue residence, home to the suspect David Willerth. Officers seized computers and associated items in relation to the investigation. 

RCMP spokesperson Gord Molendyk says Willerth was charged with luring and invitation of sexual touching targeting girls under 16, possession of child pornography and accessing child pornography.

"The Vernon RCMP want to remind parents; know what your children are looking at and participating in on the internet," Molendyk says. "This kind of activity can and is happening right here in our community, across the country, and the world."

Willerth made his first court appearance July 18, and Molendyk says additional charges could be laid as a result of a continuing investigation.

"We want the public to know we do investigate any time we have any information," Molendyk says.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston at chelston@infotelnews.ca, call (250)309-5230 or tweet @charhelston.