School Social Worker From Brampton Among Those Arrested In Global Child Porn Bust
Posted January 15, 2008 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
His name is Norman Blain and he’s worn many hats in his life – Scout Master, Big Brother and social worker for the Peel District School Board. But Canadian authorities now allege he’s also been involved in something else. The 45-year-old Brampton man is one of nine Canadians charged in an international child porn ring.
The case first surfaced in Europe last November with the arrest of more than 90 suspects on that side of the pond. Canadian authorities were involved but weren’t ready to make their own revelations about the suspects until Tuesday. Blain was arrested last week and is facing one count of possessing child pornography.
Cops allege the ring provided made-to-order videos featuring disturbing sexual abuse of young children for pedophiles. As many as 100 Canadian e-mail addresses were used to track down the accused and authorities warn there could be more arrests as their probe continues.
Others under the microscope here include an Edmonton man who was allegedly found with the movies in his possession and a Victoria resident police say had a telescope that was pointed toward a local schoolyard.
Police allege an Italian man, Marzolo Sergio, is the videographer at the centre of the ring. They contend he made videos in the Ukraine, Belgium and the Netherlands.
What officials saw on those tapes turned the stomach of even the most hardened investigators. “Children age 9 and 11 are being raped, performing oral sex on each other and demonstrating such sexualized behaviour, it is apparent that the abuse has been ongoing for a long time,” relates RCMP Supt. Earla-Kim McColl.
Blain counselled students at Centennial and Ridgeview Elementary Schools and was also present at Mayfield High in Caledon. There are no allegations that he approached any of them, but parents who heard of the arrest are horrified that someone accused of such a terrible crime may have had contact with their kids. “At this school? Oh, God!” one horrified mother named Elena exclaims. “Our kids are not safe anywhere. I can’t believe that.”
Police have some advice for parents at the four schools named. “I would suggest that they ask their children sensitive questions and make sure that their children are not victims,” warns P.C. Wayne Patterson of Peel Regional Police. “And if they don’t like the answers they get, I would suggest that they contact the investigators.”
How can you tell if your child has been targeted by a pedophile?
Here’s a look at some of the signs to watch for that your son or daughter may have been attacked:
Look for changes in behaviour, including mood swings, unexplained fear, withdrawal and excessive crying, aggression or reverting to more babyish antics.
Watch for inappropriate sexual activity or a sudden interest in sex where none existed before.
New habits emerge like bedwetting or problems sleeping.
If problems at school suddenly appear out of nowhere, inquire about the source.
Be wary if your child suddenly expresses fear of going to certain places or meeting certain people that he or she never expressed before.
Look for telltale signs on their body, including unexplained bruises or sores or other marks that have appeared without warning or any apparent cause.
Remember to tell your child they can always confide in you about anything. When they do, be supportive and always tell them you believe them.
