Man, 55, charged with sex crimes against kids

He was the guy in the neighbourhood who always had Popsicles for the kids, and a lot of times he’d invite them down into his basement to make movies.

He’d film them as they acted out their directed roles. Sometimes they just pretended to fly.

And they were always told to change their clothes before scenes, and when they did, Ottawa police allege Karl Njolstad would secretly film them.

Njolstad, 55, is charged with a series of child-sex crimes, including invitation to sexual touching, sexual interference, possession and production of child pornography, voyeurism and sexually assaulting a female under the age of 12 while making child pornography.

Ottawa police said the alleged crimes against two young girls happened on Aug. 2 in his Uplands home.

Njolstad appeared via video at the Elgin Street courthouse on Saturday morning. He remains in jail awaiting his next court appearance.

The child-sex case has devastated the families of the alleged victims and left some neighbours cringing.

Ottawa police executed a search warrant at his home on Saturday to collect evidence in their case against the one-time public servant who lived alone.

Police fear there could be more victims and want anyone who has any information about this case to contact them at 613-2361222, ext. 5760. Tips may also be sent electronically to mcm@ottawapolice.ca.

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers, toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or downloading the Ottawa police app.