Kelowna man charged with child porn offences following international investigation
RCMP allege Patrick Michael Waldrum communicated online with youth from several countries
WARNING: This article contains details of online child exploitation.
A 46-year-old Kelowna, B.C., man is facing child pornography and child luring charges following a police investigation that spanned several countries, according to RCMP.
They say officers arrested Patrick Michael Waldrum at a motel in Brooks, Alta, on Dec. 19, in connection with outstanding warrants in B.C.
Waldrum appeared in Kelowna provincial court on Friday to face charges of possession of child pornography and luring a child, RCMP said in a statement.
Kelowna RCMP had been searching for Waldrum since early November 2024, when warrants were issued for his arrest related to a child pornography investigation.
Police say the RCMP's Integrated Child Exploitation unit found evidence Waldrum was allegedly communicating online with youth with the intent of obtaining child sexual abuse material.
RCMP worked with international law enforcement agencies during their investigation as the alleged offences spanned multiple countries, police said in their statement.
"In order to combat this borderless online crime, collaborating with several of our international law enforcement partners was key to the success of this investigation," RCMP Sgt.Tim Russell said.
"The online sexual exploitation of children continues to be an emerging concern in our society and the Kelowna RCMP continues to adapt its investigative strategies to ensure public safety and that offenders are held accountable."
Waldrum has remained in police custody since his arrest, according to police.