Winnipeg prof charged with possession, distribution of child pornography

A Winnipeg professor and scientisthas been charged with the possession and distribution of child pornography.

Const. Rob Carver said Winnipeg police were alerted by another law enforcement agency about a person with a local internet protocol (IP) address sharing the images online.

Police searched a home on Monday and arrested Trevor James Pemberton, 39, whohas been charged with possession and distributionof child pornography.

Carver said he couldn't say which outside agency provided the tip, but said police receive tips from widespread agencies.

Pemberton was employed at the Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba and the University of Manitoba as an assistant professor of biochemistryand medical genetics.

On leave from U of M

"These are very serious charges that theuniversity takes quite seriously," said university spokesperson John Danakas.

"The individual is on leave with no assigned duties and has been advised not to attend campus or have any contact with university staff or students."

Danakas said the university believes the charges are "not related in any way to his association with the University of Manitoba."

Pemberton was also a past nominee for CBC Manitoba's Future 40, a stationinitiative in which members of the public nominate leaders in their community.