A Calgary psychologist has been charged with child exploitation offences following an investigation by Alberta’s Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) unit.
Dustin Hrycun, 45, was arrested on Thursday, with assistance from the Calgary Police Service. He faces charges of possessing, accessing, and making available child pornography.
The allegations stem from online offences, and investigators have not yet determined whether any of his clients were affected.
Hrycun worked at Rising Sun Psychological Services, where he treated both youth and adult clients.
“Given the suspect’s position of care and trust it is certainly concerning, and we can appreciate how clients would be alarmed,” said Staff Sgt. Mark Auger of ICE.
“Our investigation will continue with a full forensic analysis of his electronic devices in an attempt to explore other evidence.”
The investigation began in October 2024 after ICE received a referral from the RCMP’s National Child Exploitation Crime Centre.
The tip alleged that Hrycun shared child sexual exploitation materials via the social media app Kik. Several computers and electronic devices were seized from his Calgary home.
Hrycun was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court on February 25.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to this case or any online child exploitation matter to contact local police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at crimestoppers.ab.ca.
