ALERT flags ‘egregious’ child sexual exploitation material; Calgary senior facing charges
Posted May 29, 2026 10:51 am.
A Calgary man is facing charges after officials uncovered what they describe as “particularly egregious” child sexual exploitation materials.
Police say 70‑year‑old Michael Penfold was arrested on Thursday at a home in the southeast community of Cranston by ALERT’s Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) unit, with help from Calgary police.
Staff Sgt. Gordon MacDonald of the ICE unit said all child‑exploitation material is disturbing, but the content in this case was “particularly egregious.”
The accused was identified through a proactive ICE initiative targeting offenders who trade the most extreme and violent child‑sexual‑abuse materials. Investigators allege he had been sharing and trading photos online.
Penfold is charged with making available, possessing, and accessing child sexual‑exploitation materials. He remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court in June.
Anyone with information is asked to contact local police or Crime Stoppers at 1‑800‑222‑TIPS.
