Man who lives in a day care home in Marshall, Sask. faces charges of sexual assault and child pornography | The Canadian News

The RCMP calls it a “complex” and “heartbreaking” child pornography and sexual assault investigation at a family day care home in Saskatchewan.

Members of the Saskatchewan Internet Child Exploitation Unit and the Maidstone RCMP searched a home in Marshall on July 14 after receiving a report from an online application stating that videos of child pornography had been uploaded to their platform.

Police said it was determined that a home-based daycare was being operated out of the home.

Investigators seized two cell phones and two laptops.

The Saskatchewan Ministry of Education was notified of the search and suspended the nursery license on July 16.

The devices were forensically examined during a complex investigation involving several specialized RCMP units. Investigators said they located images of unknown children sexually assaulted by a man.

Joseph Sproull, 40, was arrested on September 21. He lived in the house where the nursery was located.

Police said they are working to identify the children in the images and are meeting with the parents of the children who attended the nursery.

Investigators believe that three young children were being assaulted in the photos, but police said they did not reveal the specific age of the victims to protect their identity.

“This is an alarming and heartbreaking situation that affects the most vulnerable – young children,” said the Superintendent. Vincent Foy, the officer in charge of the Saskatchewan RCMP felony unit, in a statement Wednesday.

“We are doing everything in our power to identify all the victims affected by this dire situation and provide all of them with the support they need at this time.”

Sproull faces three counts each of sexual assault, sexual interference and making available of child pornography.

He also faces charges of possession of child pornography and distribution of child pornography.

Sproull was scheduled to appear in North Battleford provincial court on Wednesday morning.

Police said the investigation is continuing and they are working to determine if there are more victims.

“I can only imagine the anguish those affected are going through and the anxiety the entire community faces,” Foy said.

“Rest assured that all necessary resources are being devoted to this investigation.”

RCMP said anyone who suspects that he or his child may have been a victim, or may have any information, should contact investigators at 306-446-1615.

Anyone requiring support during the investigation should contact the Midwest Victim Services Program at 780-874-5021.