U.S. investigation leads to several child pornography charges against Calgary man
Posted Sep 24, 2024 11:22 am.
Last Updated Sep 24, 2024 5:08 pm.
A 32-year-old Calgary man is facing numerous child pornography charges following an investigation by U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) that led to the discovery of “incredibly disturbing material.”
Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) says its Internet Child Exploitation unit (ICE) received information in June from Homeland Security that a Calgary man was connected to a California man who was charged in November 2023 with several child sexual abuse crimes.
Marco Farrier is now charged with making, accessing, make available, and possessing child pornography.
Investigators believe Farrier was in a relationship with Nicholas Des Barres when Homeland Security searched his house in California late last year. Homeland Security had received information that he had sent sex toys to a 13-year-old in North Carolina.
When officers searched Des Barres’ house, they seized 28 devices and forensic analysis found messages with Farrier as far back as 2016.
“The messages sent between these two men went on for years and were incredibly disturbing. They spoke at length about sexually assaulting several individuals who have been identified as potential victims,” said Cst. Erin Penner with ALERT ICE. “HSI is working to identify who these children are. With respect to Farrier, we believe he met Des Barres in person and that they have continued to communicate with one another while Des Barres has been incarcerated.”
ICE executed a search warrant at Farrier’s home alongside Calgary Police Service. Officers seized various electronic devices and a forensic analysis is ongoing.
“This is another example of the importance of cross-border partnerships between police agencies, especially when it comes to this type of criminal activity,” Penner added. “By sharing evidence and intel with one another, we’re able to see the intricacies of their behaviors and ultimately put a stop to it.”
Farrier was released from custody on several court-imposed conditions ahead of his next court appearance on Wednesday.
Anyone with information on this investigation or any child exploitation is asked to contact their local police or CrimeStoppers.
