REGINA – An international tip and coordinated police efforts led to the arrest of a 51-year-old Regina man now facing charges related to child exploitation.
The investigation started on July 28 when the Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) got a report around 4 a.m. from a man in the Middle East who had encountered disturbing content in an online chat room. The caller reported witnessing a live stream of an adult male engaging in an indecent act in the presence of a prepubescent girl.
The complainant provided screenshots and details via email, allowing police to identify two potential Saskatoon addresses. Patrol officers responded immediately but determined the locations weren’t involved. Meanwhile, the tipster, some 11,000 kilometres away, reconnected with the same suspect in the chat room gathering more evidence.
Through investigative work, officers traced the suspect to a home in Regina. The Saskatoon police alerted the Regina Police Service (RPS), who conducted a high-priority welfare check. At the scene, officers located the suspect and a five-year-old girl.
Garry S. Stevenson was arrested and charged with making child pornography. Electronic devices were seized for forensic examination.
The Saskatchewan Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit continues to investigate and Victim Services is providing support to the young girl.
Stevenson made his first appearance in Regina Provincial Court on July 29. He was remanded in custody and is scheduled back in court on Aug. 7 for a bail hearing.
