Sask. man faces child pornography, sexual assault charges in connection to daycare
Warning: This story contains details some readers may find disturbing.
A man is facing child pornography and sexual assault charges in connection to a home-based daycare in Marshall, Sask.
"This is an alarming, heartbreaking situation that affects the most vulnerable – young children," RCMP Superintendent Vincent Foy said in a news release.
"We are doing everything in our power to identify all the victims affected by this terrible situation and provide everyone the support they need right now," said Foy, who leads the RCMP major crimes unit in the province.
On July 14, a search warrant was executed at a home on First Avenue East after an online service reported child pornography videos had been uploaded, according to RCMP.
Because a daycare was operating at the home, RCMP alerted Saskatchewan's education ministry about the investigation the same day. The ministry suspended the daycare's licence on July 16.
During the search, investigators seized two cellphones and two laptops, which were forensically examined.
Images of "unknown children being sexually assaulted by a male" were found by investigators, RCMP said.
As a result of the "complex investigation," 40-year-old Joseph Sproull was arrested on Tuesday.
He was living in the house where the daycare was operating, according to RCMP.
CTV News has learned the daycare was operating under the name Li'l Tykes Dayhome.
In an emailed statement, Saskatchewan's Ministry of Education said it "took immediate action" to suspended the operator's licence after it was alerted of the investigation.
Sproull is charged with possession of child pornography, distribution of child pornography, three counts of sexual assault, three counts of sexual interference, and three counts of making child pornography available.
"I can only imagine the anguish those affected are going through and the anxiety the whole community is facing," Foy said.
"Rest assured all required resources are being dedicated to this investigation.”
The mayor of Marshall told CTV says the allegations are shocking.
"It’s just hard to believe that some of the people in town have put their trust in that daycare and they were let down. You know, it's heartbreaking. It’s very complex," Darlene Puckey said.
"It’s very frustrating and I’m sure there (are) other emotions that are circulating throughout this community with everybody.”
Work is underway to determine if there are more victims, RCMP said.
Police are asking anyone who suspects they or their child has been a victim or has information about the alleged incidents to call investigators at 306-446-1615.
Support is available through the Midwest Victim Services Program which can be reached at 780-874-5021.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
South Korean sentenced to 14 months in jail for killing 76 cats
South Korean man has been sentenced to 14 months in prison for killing 76 cats in one of the country's most gruesome cases of animal cruelty in recent years.