Charges against Edmonton firefighter stayed because of ‘insurmountable issues’ with evidence

The Alberta Coat of Arms is shown at the Edmonton Law Courts building in Edmonton on June 28, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

Child sexual abuse materials charges against a captain with Edmonton Fire Rescue Service have been stayed.

Christopher McDonald, 55, was arrested on Jan. 16, 2024.

He was subsequently charged with possessing, accessing and making available child sexual abuse materials.

The Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams said it began an investigation into McDonald in October 2023 after receiving tips about “a suspect sharing high volumes of child sexual exploitation materials online.”

A number of computers and electronic devices were seized from McDonald’s home after his arrest.

A spokesperson for the Alberta Crown prosecutors office says the charges against McDonald were stayed earlier this year because of “insurmountable issues with the evidence.”