Calgary police officer charged in child porn case

Computers and other electronic devices seized after raid conducted on his home

The Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team has laid three child pornography-related charges against a Calgary police officer.

A news release from the team said Const. Thomas Buttle, 33, was charged Thursday with possessing, accessing and making available child pornography to others.

“His Calgary home was searched and a number of computers and electronic devices were seized,” the release said.

“Child pornography images were found as the result of a forensic preview,” it said.

The Internet Child Exploitation Unit — or ICE — is investigating the matter.

“A complete forensic examination will now be undertaken by ICE forensic technicians.

“ICE began its investigation in January 2018, when the unit received a referral from the RCMP’s National Child Exploitation Coordination Centre in relation to an unknown social media user uploading child sexual exploitation materials,” it said.

“ICE conducted an investigation to identify the user and only recently learned the suspect was a police officer.

“Currently, ICE has no information to suggest he offended on any children, but is encouraging anyone with information about this case to come forward and contact police. Anyone with information about this investigation or any child exploitation offence is encouraged to contact local police or cybertip.ca.”

Buttle, 33, spent a night behind bars because of a glitch in the paperwork after his Thursday arrest.

The officer, who has been employed by the Calgary Police Service for four years, was released Friday on conditions that include no contact with children without the presence of another adult.

Buttle is being represented by high-profile criminal lawyer Alain Hepner.

Hepner said Friday he is still awaiting further information on the allegations.

“I was just retained Thursday and I’m familiarizing myself with the file as we speak,” Hepner said.

The case is set to return to court later this month.

Buttle has been placed on administrative leave while his case is reviewed, said a statement from the Calgary Police Service.

“These allegations have a significant impact on the trust and confidence that the public has in our service,” said the statement. “The importance of this trust and confidence is not lost on our members who work tirelessly to serve Calgarians to the best of their ability.

“Allegations such as these not only have a profound impact on the community, but also other members of the service who work so hard to build the reputation we need to best serve our city.”