Canadian man charged with sexual exploitation of Tennessee girl

May 10, 2024 – A Canadian man was arrested in Tennessee following a joint investigation by ALERT’s Internet Child Exploitation Unit and the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.

The lengthy investigation ended on April 25, 2024, when Tyler Clark was arrested at his home in Medicine Hat. The 38-year-old man was charged with online child enticement and child sexual exploitation involving a Tennessee girl.

The suspect allegedly forced the youth to share sexually explicit photos through multiple online chat applications while posing as a 13-year-old youth. The crimes date back to 2021, when the victim was just 11 years old.

“Over 7,000 messages were exchanged between the suspect and the victim. We’re talking about everyday conversations that only stopped when the victim’s parents discovered it. This further highlights the need for parents to take a proactive role in understanding what their children are doing online,” said Staff Sgt. Mark Auger.

A search of Clark’s home resulted in the seizure of several computers and electronic devices that are currently being analyzed by investigators. The Medicine Hat Police Department assisted in executing the search warrant.

Clark is charged with child luring, making sexually explicit materials accessible to a child, producing child pornography, possessing child pornography and accessing child pornography.

“This arrest was only possible because of the amazing responsiveness of the global network of like-minded cyber crimes against children investigators. Together we have pushed boundaries and remained true to our shared goal of bringing justice to the adults who exploit our children,” said Det. Paul Lusk, ICAC Task Force.

Clark was released from custody under a number of court conditions and awaited his next court date, scheduled for May 22, 2024.

Anyone with information about this investigation or a child exploitation situation is asked to contact local police or report their concerns anonymously to Crime Stoppers (1-800-222-TIPS).

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Source: ALERT – Alberta