A Calgary defence lawyer was arrested last Thursday for engaging in sexually explicit conversations with multiple youth and sharing material depicting child sexual exploitation.
Arrest and Charges
Jordan Bonner, 46, was taken into custody on April 30 by the Alberta Law Enforcement Unit's Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) unit and the Calgary Police Service after searches of Bonner's Calgary home and law office.
Bonner faces four counts of accessing and storing child sexual abuse and exploitation material, two counts of distributing such material, and two counts of possessing a firearm without a license, according to court documents.
Use of Snapchat
Police allege Bonner used Snapchat with online aliases "jrcbonner", "whydoyoucare197", and "daddysboi10" to communicate with his alleged victims, who were between 11 and 15 years old.
The investigation was initiated by the RCMP's National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and remains ongoing as ICE completes forensic analysis on seized computers and electronic devices.
Release Conditions
Bonner was released from custody with a court appearance scheduled for May 7. His conditions include prohibition from possessing firearms, reporting to a bail supervisor within two business days, confinement to an Alberta residence approved by his bail supervisor, and a ban from visiting schools, public swimming areas, daycares, playgrounds, and youth shelters.
The court also ordered him not to use social media or electronic devices to access the internet, though he may use laptops for work with bail supervisor approval and must not download software enabling anonymous internet use.
Additional Charges
Bonner was also charged with criminal harassment in November after an RCMP investigation alleged he threatened a Calgary police officer. The harassment reportedly began after a Calgary police investigation of Bonner, who then used "defamatory, anti-law enforcement online content" against the lead investigator, escalating to threats and stalking.
ICE is seeking to identify potential victims and encourages anyone with information to contact local police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
— With files from Kevin Martin
