Doncaster Elementary parents have been warned about a man who lives near the school who has been charged with four offences after having online chats with an undercover police officer posing as the parent of a girl “in a pre-pubescent state” who was willing to offer the child for sex.
Principal James Hansen sent a note to parents Tuesday after learning through the media about the man, who was arrested by Saanich police in August after a lengthy investigation based on information gathered by the Vancouver Police Department and its Counter Exploitation Unit.
“The principal has sent home the news story so the parents will be aware,” said John Gaiptman, Greater Victoria school district superintendent.
“I’m not sure at this point if we’re entitled to the complete story. What we’re going to do is ensure the community is aware so we can ensure our students are safe.”
Saanich Police Sgt. Steve Eassie said he could not reveal the age of the imaginary child in the alleged offences, just that she was said to be under 16.
Police said the man had online communication with an officer posing as the child’s parent, and an agreement was made to engage in a sexual act with the girl.
As sordid as the public details of the case are, other elements are being withheld because police believe they are “far too shocking” for people to hear, Eassie said.
“This is a very concerning set of events, and we’re very pleased to have been able to intervene,” he said.
“This is an example of where online investigators will utilize the Internet as a tool to see what sort of people will engage in these types of activities.”
It is also alleged that pictures of children engaged in sexual acts were sent to the undercover officer online.
Norman Robert Lewis, 66, has been charged with accessing child pornography, possession of child pornography, distribution of child pornography and arranging or agreeing to commit a sexual offence with a person under 16.
The latter is a relatively new charge that was added to the Criminal Code in May 2012, Eassie said, and this is likely the first time it has been used on southern Vancouver Island.
The new offence has a mandatory minimum sentence of 90 days if the Crown proceeds by way of a less-serious summary conviction, and one year if the Crown proceeds by way of indictment.
Lewis, who has no prior contacts with police, is married with children and also has extended family outside the Victoria area, Eassie said. He said Lewis is “connected well with the community,” but he could not elaborate or name any organizations Lewis is associated with. “Beyond that, it is very difficult to provide much more.”
Lewis appeared in court Sept. 23 and was released on conditions that include not communicating with any person under the age of 18 and not going to any daycare, park, school or recreation centre. He also cannot access the Internet or possess pornography.
“Part of the reason we are putting his name out there is for the public to be aware, of course, that Mr. Lewis is living in our neighbourhoods,” Eassie said.
“As well, [we’re] putting out that request that if anybody has had an adverse contact with him in the past to contact us.”
Lewis will have his next court appearance Dec. 3.
Saanich police advise anyone with concerns regarding the online sexual exploitation of children to go to cybertip.ca, which serves as a national tipline.
Contact the Saanich police at 250-475-4321.
— With files from Louise Dickson and Sandra McCulloch
