Charges approved after lengthy child pornography investigation

ABBOTSFORD (NEWS 1130) – A long investigation into child porn offences in the Fraser Valley has left some veteran investigators stunned.

Police in Abbotsford say their investigation first began last October and resulted in the arrest of 37-year-old Robert Gordon Hillier earlier this week. Investigators won’t go into too much detail about how they were tipped off but add online child sex abuse images linking them to an Abbotsford IP address led to their suspect.

In January, police searched the home of Hillier and seized computers and cell phones and they report discovering thousands of child pornography images and videos.

“This is a specialized kind of work and our detectives that deal with this, like it’s vitally important obviously for public safety that they do this, but this is tough work. Our most experienced investigator in child pornography viewed some of the materials related to this investigation and he said it was the worst that he has ever come across. He’s been on the job for about 15 or 16 years — it’s certainly saying something if it’s the worst he’s ever come across,” explains Constable Ian MacDonald.

He adds often times in investigations like this the suspects are under the age of 40 and predominately men.

Hillier has been charged with accessing child pornography, possession of child pornography and making available child pornography.

He has been released from custody pending his next court appearance on April 24th. In the meantime, he has to abide by several court conditions. Police say their investigation isn’t over and are asking anyone with any more information to call them at 604.859.5225 or text 222973 (abbypd).

Court-imposed conditions

  • Not to contact or communicate with or be alone in the presence of any person under the age of 18 unless in the company of an approved adult
  • Not to attend any public park, school ground, daycare center, swimming pool, playground, skating rink, community center or recreation center where persons under the age of 18 might reasonably be expected to be present unless in the company of an approved adult
  • Not to engage in any activity that involves contact or communication with person under the age of 18 using a computer system
  • Not to possess or utilize any electronic device capable of accessing the internet
  • Not to contact or communicate with any person who is known to be involved in the sexual exploitation of children or trading or possessing child sexual exploitation materials

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today