A 44-year-old man from Los Angeles has been sentenced to 40 years in U.S. federal prison after a Saanich BC family's report led to a multi-year investigation into international child exploitation.The case began on April 26, 2020, when the parents of a 12-year-old girl from Saanich discovered sexually explicit messages on her phone and computer. The Saanich Police Department’s Family Protection Unit, now known as the Special Investigations Section, launched an immediate investigation into suspected child luring.Evidence quickly indicated the suspect was located in the United States. Working with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Saanich officers coordinated the transfer of the case to U.S. authorities while remaining in close contact with the victim’s family.In July 2022, U.S. investigators arrested Mark David Wallins. They determined that from 2019 to August 2021, Wallin had targeted pre-teen girls and boys both in the U.S. and internationally, grooming them to send him sexually explicit images and videos. The investigation uncovered dozens of victims ranging in age from 9 to 16.Wallin pleaded guilty in September 2024 to producing child pornography and enticing a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity. He was sentenced on May 16, and remains in custody awaiting a restitution hearing set for August 13.Chief Constable Dean Duthie praised the Saanich officers involved, calling their efforts “a testament to their commitment, tenacity, and high-quality investigative work.” He emphasized the trauma-informed and compassionate approach officers maintained throughout the sensitive investigation, noting the trust they built with the family was “vital throughout the investigation, court proceedings, and beyond.”HSI Los Angeles acting Special Agent in Charge John Pasciucco underscored the international cooperation that led to the conviction. “The online sexual exploitation of children has no borders,” he said. “Without the excellent collaboration with partners like the Saanich Police Department, we cannot accomplish our mission of safeguarding kids and bringing those who prey on them to justice.”Detective Constable John Gadsby, Saanich’s lead investigator on the case, offered a message to parents: “Guide your children as they venture onto the internet. Stay informed, talk regularly, and create a family culture of online safety.”
