RCMP warning against ‘vigilante action’ against Alberta man with extensive child abuse materials

Corey Airhart, 35, is seen in a photo obtained by CTV News.

RCMP in southern Alberta are warning members of the public against taking on “vigilante action” against a man released from custody after his extensive collection of child sexual abuse materials was discovered.

Corey Airhart, 35, was charged with possessing and accessing child sexual abuse materials on Wednesday after a search of his home in Okotoks led to the discovery of more than 500,000 images and videos.

Police said the materials contain tens of thousands of victims — including very young children — and Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) has said it’s the largest collection the Internet Child Exploitation unit has ever encountered.

Airhart was released from custody Wednesday and is scheduled to appear back in court on Aug. 8.

READ MORE: Alberta man charged after 500,000 child abuse images, videos found

In a statement, Okotoks RCMP says it has received reports of threats and “comments suggesting that some individuals may take matters into their own hands” following Airhart’s release.

“Okotoks RCMP understands that members of the community may have strong concerns and emotions regarding this matter,” the statement said.

“The RCMP want to be clear that threats, intimidation, harassment, or any form of vigilante action are unlawful and will be thoroughly investigated.”

Airhart’s release features numerous conditions, Mounties say, including that he must not go within 50 metres of any place where a child under 16 may be present, must not directly communicate with anyone under 16 and must not possess any devices with internet access or cameras.

“Community members are encouraged to express their concerns through lawful and respectful means and to allow the judicial process to proceed,” the statement said.