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
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Town of Fort Nelson, B.C., ordered to evacuate due to wildfire
The entire town of Fort Nelson, B.C., as well as the nearby Fort Nelson First Nation, has been ordered to evacuate due to an out-of-control wildfire.
Snowbirds in Vancouver for puck-drop flyby as Canucks face Oilers
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds will be performing a flyover across downtown Vancouver at the start of tonight's Stanley Cup playoff game between the Canucks and the Edmonton Oilers.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Video shows naked raccoon catching B.C. family by surprise
When Marvin Henschel spotted a strange and hairless creature wandering through a front lawn in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, he could barely believe his eyes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.