Calgary man accused of sexually extorting, counselling suicide of Ontario girl

A Calgary man faces numerous charges for allegedly sexually extorting and harassing an Ontario girl over a period of five years, says the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT).

Brady Provost, 28, was arrested and charged last week by ALERT's internet child exploitation unit and the Ontario Provincial Police's child sexual exploitation unit, said a release on Thursday.

It's believed the offences began five years ago when the victim was 11 years old.

The victim told police she started receiving unsolicited sexual and violent messages from an unknown suspect on various social media channels.

The victim was eventually pressured into sending sexually explicit photos. The suspect also allegedly threatened to kill the victim's family and coerced the victim to attempt suicide, ALERT said.

A six-month investigation identified a suspect in Calgary. Police searched his home on Oct. 21, and he was arrested and charged with numerous offences, including child luring, extortion, counselling suicide and making child pornography.

"This is a heart-breaking case with the victim enduring years of abuse and suffering. It comes as a great relief to make an arrest, and will undoubtedly help in the victim's healing process," said ALERT Det. Krista Mapplebeck.

Several electronic devices were seized from Provost's home and will be analyzed. Police say it's possible there were other victims.

Anyone with information about this investigation or any child exploitation should contact the police or cybertip.ca.