What's Up Now: RCMP Release

Date: February 23, 2024Share

RCMP investigate voyeurism at tanning salon

In May of 2022, St. Albert RCMP received a report of Voyeurism at a tanning salon in St. Albert. The victim reported seeing a cell phone being raise above a ¾ length wall as she was changing. Officers responded, and with assistance from the tanning salon, the accused patron was quickly identified, arrested, and his cell phone seized.

After consultation with Crown, police released the suspect pending further investigation. During the investigation, RCMP identified 23 videos depicting 22 victims at the tanning salon being discreetly recorded while changing. Additionally, officers located a very large amount of child pornography. With ongoing assistance from the tanning salon, police have been able to identify most Voyeurism victims.

On Jan. 30, 2024, RCMP arrested the suspect and executed a second warrant at his home in St. Albert, seizing additional electronic devices.

RCMP have charged Matthew David Belford (37) with:

• Possession of Child Pornography
• Voyeurism (x22)

Belford has been taken before a Justice of the Peace and released from custody with his next court date set for March 4, 2024, at the Alberta Court of Justice in St. Albert.

Despite these charges the investigation continues as officers forensically examine the original cell phone as well as the additional electronic devices seized.

“This has been a complex investigation requiring our officers to comb through thousands of images, and videos, and linking them to specific times, victims, and dates,” said Cpl. Terrence Willard of the St. Albert RCMP Detachment. “Although this investigation is still ongoing, we felt that we were in a position to move ahead with charges.”

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