On June 17, the RCMP Integrated Child Exploitation Unit, with the assistance of the Penticton and Summerland RCMP, arrested a 34-year-old male identified as Stephen Hughes from his home in Summerland. Hughes was charged with luring a child using a computer and invitation to sexual touching.
Hughes was an assistant teacher for the Penticton Summerland area at the time of his arrest. The RCMP ICE contacted the Penticton and Summerland RCMP to co-ordinate the arrest of Hughes who was later released from custody under strict conditions.
There is currently a publication ban on evidence related to the case and no other information can be provided.
“Every time we can arrest someone who is actively looking to take sexual advantage of children over the Internet, we feel extremely satisfied that the community is safer” said Cpl. Filotto, from the RCMP ICE unit.
"This is yet another reminder for parents and children to be aware of the dangers of the Internet as you never know who is online.”
Parents and children alike are reminded that any unusual online activity should be immediately reported to their local police department or can be directly reported online at www.cybertip.ca, a website dedicated to these investigations and on which anonymous complaints can be filed.
Penticton Western News