(File photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By battlefordsNOW Staff

child porn charges

Charges laid after offences against children at a home-based day care in Marshall, Sask.

Sep 22, 2021 | 9:57 AM

UPDATE: Sproull made his first court appearance this morning in North Battleford.

After a request was made by the defence for a show cause hearing in Lloyminster court, he will make an appearance there via CCTV tomorrow at 2:30 p.m.

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A disturbing story is developing in Marshall, Sask. after RCMP and the Saskatchewan Internet Child Exploitation Unit (ICE) received a report about child pornography.

Police executed a search warrant on July 14, 2021 at a residence on First Ave. E in Marshall where a home-based daycare was operating. Investigators seized two cellphones and two laptops and eventually located images of unknown children being sexually assaulted by a man. Police alerted the Government of Saskatchewan Ministry of Education the same day about what they found. The Ministry suspended the daycare license on July 16, 2021 and advised parents of the change.

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As a result of the ongoing investigation, 40-year-old Joseph Sproull of Marshall was arrested and charged with one count of Possession of child pornography, one count of Distribution of child pornography, three counts of Sexual assault, three counts of Sexual interference and three counts of Making available child pornography.

Police said Sproull was residing in the house where the home-based daycare was operating. He was remanded in custody and will make his first court appearance at the North Battleford Provincial Court today.

Investigators are working to identify the victims in the images. They believe three young children were being assaulted. Their specific ages won’t be released to help protect their identity. Police are meeting with the parents of the children who attended the daycare and support, including victim services, is being offered to affected individuals.

“This is an alarming, heartbreaking situation that affects the most vulnerable – young children. We are doing everything in our power to identity all the victims affected by this terrible situation and provide everyone the support they need right now,” says Superintendent Vincent Foy, officer in charge of the Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crime Unit. “I can only imagine the anguish those affected are going through and the anxiety the whole community is facing. Rest assured all required resources are being dedicated to this investigation.”

North Battleford RCMP General Investigation Section (GIS) has taken carriage of the sexual assault investigation with the assistance of Saskatchewan ICE, Maidstone RCMP, RCMP National Victim Identification Unit, North Battleford RCMP Forensic Identification Unit and the Midwest Victim Services Program. Part of this work will be determining if there are more victims.

Anyone who suspects they or their child has been a victim, or has information about these incidents, is asked to call North Battleford RCMP Provincial General Investigation Section at 306-446-1615. Anyone who requires support during this investigation is asked to contact the Midwest Victim Services Program at 780-874-5021.

Since the matter is under investigation and charges are currently before the court, no further details are being released at this time.

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cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW