Saanich Police have announced that a 44-year-old man has been sentenced to 40-years in a US prison for attempting to lure a child in Saanich.
Back in April, 2020, parents of a 12-year-old girl made a complaint to Saanich Police that they had discovered “sexually explicit messages” on their daughter’s phone and computer, which had been sent to and from an unknown man.
Police launched a child luring investigation, and throughout the investigation, evidence suggested that the suspect was located in the United States.
After corresponding with US authorities, it was determined the best course of action was to transfer the case.
Officers from Homeland Security Investigations took over the investigation.
An arrest was made nearly two years after the complaint was made to Saanich Police, In July of 2022, Mark David Wallin, of Los Angeles, California was taken into custody.
According to police, it had been determined that Wallin had been preying on pre-teen girls and boys both internationally and domestically, grooming them to send explicit photos of themselves to him.
The investigation determined he had been doing this from 2019 to 2021, with dozens of victims being identified—their ages ranging from 9 to 16-years-old.
Police say Wallin has been in custody since he was arrested in July 2022.
“I’m incredibly proud of the officers involved in this case,” said Chief Constable Dean Duthie.
“To play such a critical role in the apprehension and conviction of a prolific child predator in another country is a testament to their commitment, tenacity, and high-quality investigative work.”
The next step forward in this case came when Wallin pled guilty to the production of child pornography and the enticement of a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity in September 2024.
Finally, on May 16th of this year, Wallin was sentenced to 40-years in federal prison.
