Prosecutions and Seizures

Prairie Region

Ohio man sentenced for smuggling child pornography

Winnipeg, Manitoba, May 31, 2013 —The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced that Matthew William Emmerling was sentenced on May 30 in Winnipeg Provincial Court for smuggling,  contrary to s.159 of the Customs Act. He was sentenced to two years incarceration and forfeiture of the seized evidence.

Emmerling attempted to enter Canada at the Emerson border crossing on January 17, 2013 to deliver a commercial load. He was referred for a secondary examination in order to verify his declaration and to determine his admissibility to Canada. During the  secondary examination CBSA officers discovered suspected child pornography on a mobile telephone and two portable storage devices. Emmerling was arrested and the CBSA's Criminal Investigation Section pursued criminal charges against him. He remained in pretrial custody and pleaded guilty to smuggling on May 21, 2013.

"I thank every CBSA officer and investigator who contributed to the outcome of this case," said Lauren D. Delgaty, Regional Director General, CBSA Prairie Region. "Protecting children is an important part of the work of the CBSA and we strive to defend vulnerable individuals through our work."

The Customs Act prohibits the importation of certain goods, including child pornography as defined by the Criminal Code. The CBSA works closely with the Public Prosecution Service of Canada to prosecute to the full extent of the law those engaging in smuggling prohibited material into Canada.

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For media information
Lisa White
CBSA Communications
403-292-4011

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