A Calgary taekwondo instructor is facing child pornography charges following an investigation by Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams’ (ALERT) Internet Child Exploitation Unit.
Investigators began to look into 39-year-old Bradley Hutchison in April after a tip was made through cybertip.ca
Police allege that sometime between 2017 and 2018, the owner of Hydra Martial Arts at 11166 42 Street SE, engaged in sexual conversations online with a 13-year-old he had previously met through the martial arts community.
While there is no immediate connection between the victim and Hydra Martial Arts studio, ALERT investigators say they are concerned about its convenience for Hutchison.
“This individual was heavily involved in the martial arts community and responsible for teaching children and teens, including those with special needs. It’s incredibly concerning for our unit when we see people in positions like these who then take advantage of their authority and trust,” said ICE Staff Sgt. Mark Auger in a statement.
Hutchinson was arrested at his house by ICE and Calgary Police Service (CPS) officers on June 25.
His home and martial arts studio were searched and several electronic devices including cell phones and laptops were seized.
The martial arts instructor is now facing charges of child luring, making child pornography, accessing child pornography, and possession of child pornography.
ALERT says a full forensic analysis is ongoing, which could lead to more charges or the identification of potential victims.
“The tip we received points our investigators to a timeline between 2017 and 2018, but we anticipate there may be additional victims as our examination into these devices continues,’” Auger said.
Hutchison was also known to use the alias “Dan Chambers” online.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to come forward and contact CPS or CrimeStoppers.