Trial dates have now been set for a member of Parkland County Fire Services charged with child sexual exploitation offences.
Matthew Brian Shaw, 27, is scheduled for trial in Edmonton Court of King’s Bench from Sept. 3-5, 2025.
Following an investigation by ALERT’s Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) unit, Shaw was arrested on June 5, 2024, with the help of Parkland RCMP. Police say Shaw was charged with the following:
- Possession of child pornography.
- Accessing child pornography.
- Transmitting child pornography.
- Unsafe storage of a firearm (x2).
According to investigators, Shaw allegedly distributed child sexual abuse material over the social media application, Snapchat. Officers with ALERT say they were notified of the alleged offence by the RCMP’s National Child Exploitation Crime Centre in October of 2023.
“We have charged suspects from all sorts of professions, all walks of life, and there is truly no demographic profile,” said Staff Sgt. Jon Morrison, ALERT ICE, at the time of the arrest. “This underscores the needs for awareness and education between parents and children concerning online safety.”
Police say during the search of Shaw’s home, a number of computers and electronic devices were seized, which were being examined to collect further evidence. Police say several firearms were also located, which were not being lawfully stored.
Officials say Shaw was released from custody on a number of court-imposed conditions.
According to officials with Parkland County Fire Services, “When Parkland County was made aware of the charges brought against Matthew Shaw in June, he was placed immediately and indefinitely on an unpaid leave of absence. Parkland County will reassess the matter upon the conclusion of all RCMP investigations and legal interventions.”
Investigators with the ICE unit are encouraging anyone with information about this case to come forward and contact police directly or through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Related: Parkland County firefighter accused of child sexual exploitation, ordered to stand trial
RELATED: ALERT’s ICE unit charges member of Parkland County Fire Services
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