OKOTOKS, Alta. — RCMP say victims in Saskatchewan and Alberta were identified in an investigation that has led to child exploitation charges against a former employee of several Western Canadian hockey teams.
Tyler King, 39, was arrested Oct. 30 at the Lansdowne border crossing near Kingston, Ont., and charged with three counts of luring a person under 18, sexual exploitation of a young person and making child pornography.
“As a result of an extensive investigation, it was determined that the victims identified were from Alberta and Saskatchewan, all junior A hockey players,” said Cpl. Daniel Campbell of the Southern Alberta District General Investigation Section.
RCMP say their investigation began in June 2024, when an employee of the Okotoks Oilers Hockey Association reported that a former employee was soliciting and compensating players for intimate images and sexual videos. The RCMP's general investigation section took over the case in July 2024.
King, a Canadian citizen, was employed and living in the United States at the time of his arrest, police said. He worked with hockey teams in Fort McMurray, Okotoks and Brooks, Alta., and Nanaimo, B.C., and is believed to be currently employed at a university in New York, U.S.
RCMP believe there could be more victims and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Campbell encouraged parents and caregivers to have regular conversations with children about personal safety, healthy boundaries and the dangers of sexual exploitation, including sextortion, saying open discussion can help youth recognize inappropriate behaviour, identify grooming or manipulation tactics and know when to seek help.
King was remanded in custody after a judicial interim release hearing and will be returned to Alberta to face the charges.
The charges have not been proven in court.
RCMP said they had assistance from the RCMP K-Division Interview Assistance Team, RCMP O-Division, the RCMP Border Integrity Unit, RCMP O-Division Digital Forensics Services, the Canada Border Services Agency in the Kingston area and the Ontario Provincial Police in Leeds County.
