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An Edmonton fire department captain is no longer facing child sexual exploitation charges after prosecutors in the case stayed the proceedings.

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Christopher T. McDonald, 56, was arrested in January 2024 and charged with child pornography offences after a tip he had been sharing “high volumes” of child sexual exploitation materials online, police said.

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McDonald had been scheduled to conclude a trial earlier this month, but court records show the charges have been stayed.

Alberta Crown Prosecution Service spokesperson Michelle Davio said prosecutors have a duty to assess each file as it proceeds through the court system to determine whether “there is a reasonable likelihood of conviction and the matter is in the public interest to prosecute.”

“As part of the ongoing assessment of this file, the Crown prosecutor has determined there were insurmountable issues with the evidence and as such, the charges were stayed on Jan. 15, 2026.”

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A spokesperson for Edmonton Fire Rescue Services said they cannot comment on McDonald’s employment’s status, “however, we can confirm that the individual is not assigned to any duties.”

According to the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT), McDonald was arrested with the help of Morinville RCMP after ALERT’s Internet Child Exploitation unit received reports of a suspect sharing child sex abuse material online. Investigators seized several computers and electronic devices from McDonald’s home, where they also found several improperly stored guns.

McDonald was charged with possession of child pornography, accessing child pornography, making available child pornography and two counts of unsafe storage of a firearm. 

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ALERT said the alleged offences took place online, but they opted to release McDonald’s name given his job placed him “in a position of trust or authority.” He was released from custody on court-ordered conditions.

Charges that are stayed can be revived by the Crown within one year — as opposed to withdrawn charges, which are gone for good.

jwakefield@postmedia.com

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@jonnywakefield.bsky.social

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