By Kevin Martel

Sask. Mountie charged for allegedly accessing child pornography

Dec 23, 2014 | 9:24 AM

An RCMP member in northern Saskatchewan is facing charges for allegedly having and accessing child pornography.

Aiden Arthur Pratchett has been stationed in Fond-du-Lac as a constable.

An investigation was first launched in September before the Saskatchewan Internet Child Exploitation Unit (ICE) searched his home on Oct. 16, seizing several personal computers. At that time, he was suspended with pay.

Pratchett, 31, was formally charged on Monday. He was also removed from the community.

“As a member of the RCMP to see this, it’s very disappointing and very disturbing,” said Supt. Alfredo Bangloy from RCMP “F” Division Headquarters in Regina on Tuesday morning.

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Bangloy said Pratchett had also been previously stationed at Porcupine Plain. He said the criminal investigation is continuing because all devices have to be thoroughly checked. Pratchett’s actions within the RCMP code of conduct are also being looked at. Bangloy said there is a possibility of suspension without pay.

Staff Sgt. Ron Weir with the ICE unit echoed his disappointment about seeing a fellow officer facing these kinds of charges. He explained how their unit tracks IP addresses that access certain child porn images and videos. Prachett’s address was one of those flagged.

Weir doesn’t believe Pratchett knows his alleged victims.

“To our knowledge he has no personal dealings or knowledge of these children that are involved.”

Prachett was released with conditions which include no internet access, no contact with anyone under 16, and that he cannot possess any data storage devices. The 31-year-old officer appeared before a justice of the peace Monday and will be back in a Prince Albert courtroom on Jan. 28, 2015.