The trial for a former Canadian Armed Forces reservist facing multiple sexual assault and child exploitation charges continued in a Yellowknife courtroom Wednesday, where explicit exchanges with a youth were unveiled. Craig Scott Routery, 62, pleaded not guilty to nine charges including child luring and possession of exploitation material.

What evidence was presented?

The Crown presented text messages and photographs exchanged between Routery and a youth. These exhibits included explicit content and messages regarding the youth's younger cousin. Both parties confirmed that sexual contact occurred inside a vehicle parked near a school in Yellowknife during 2023.

Key details from the proceedings include:

  • Routery was a warrant officer with the 1 Canadian Ranger Patrol Group.
  • The investigation began after police seized a youth's phone in December 2023.
  • Routery was arrested in July 2024 while working at a training session in Whitehorse.

How did the investigation begin?

According to the court's agreed statement of facts, the investigation was triggered after police seized a youth's phone in December 2023 as part of an unrelated matter. Although the phone was returned in February 2024, authorities seized it again one month later after discovering several exchanges linked to Routery.

Investigators later searched Routery's residence in Yellowknife and his workplace in Whitehorse. These searches uncovered multiple devices containing child sexual abuse material. Additionally, investigators found the Tor browser and data-cleaning software on his laptop, noting that metadata indicated he had accessed websites featuring explicit images of children.

How did the defendant respond?

During questioning, Routery stated he "would not involve [himself] with something that was underage." He argued that he believed the youth was 18 years old based on an adult networking website profile and the individual's manner of speaking.

Routery characterized the communications as "roleplay" and "age play." He also claimed he did not watch the child sexual abuse material sent to him by the youth, asserting that he deleted such files immediately. The defense also suggested that any illicit material found on his laptop may have been placed there by others with access to his home.

FAQ

What are the specific charges against Routery?

He faces nine charges, including sexual assault, child luring, and making sexually explicit material available to a child.

Why is the complainant not being named?

An active publication ban is in place because the individual was underage when the communications first began.