ALERT’s Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) unit, with the help of Medicine Hat Police Service, has arrested a 26-year-old man for multiple sexual offences involving children and animals.

Cody Herrell was arrested on September 26, 2019, after a search warrant was executed at his Medicine Hat home. The 26-year-old man has been charged with sexual assault, bestiality, and accessing, possessing, and distributing child pornography.

ICE alleges the suspect had been accessing child pornography online, and his computers and electronic devices were seized. Further investigation revealed additional sexual offences committed against at least one unidentified child, who is believed to be known to him, and other alleged sexual offences involving several dogs.

Herrell does not work in a position of trust and/or authority. ICE is asking anyone with information relevant to the investigation to contact Medicine Hat Police Service at 403-529-8481.

“Our primary concern is identifying the child victim and, in turn, providing the necessary support and resources,” said Sgt. Kirt Murray, Internet Child Exploitation unit.

Herrell has been released from custody on a number of court-imposed conditions, including not to have any contact with children, and not to attend any public areas where children may be present.

Herrell’s next court appearance is scheduled for October 17, 2019.

The investigation into Herrell began in February 2019 when the RCMP’s National Child Exploitation Coordination Centre (NCECC) provided information about an unknown suspect uploading child pornography.

ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime.

Media inquiries may be directed to:

Sgt. Kirt Murray
Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit
Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT)
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-581-1090