A former Canadian Armed Forces reservist has conceded to two of nine charges related to youth sexual exploitation during his trial in Yellowknife. Craig Scott Routery, 62, admitted to the Crown's evidence regarding child exploitation on the final day of his four-day court proceedings.
What charges did Routery concede to?
Routery conceded to two specific charges based on text message records presented by the Crown. These include:
- Accessing explicit images of a youth.
- Counselling a youth for child sexual abuse and exploitation material.
During the proceedings, the court heard that Routery admitted to possessing intimate images and repeatedly requesting and receiving child sexual abuse material from the youth.
Details of the trial and defense
Routery, a resident of Yellowknife since 2012, previously served as a warrant officer with the 1 Canadian Ranger Patrol Group. He was arrested in July 2024 while working at a youth training session in Whitehorse following an investigation by the RCMP’s Internet Child Exploitation Unit.
While he conceded to two counts, Routery maintains he is not guilty of the remaining seven charges, which include sexual assault and child luring. In his testimony, he claimed he believed the youth was at least 18 years old. He further described any disclosed interest in children as "roleplay" and "age play."
The Crown argued that the defendant failed to take reasonable steps to confirm the minor's age during online exchanges and an in-person meeting in 2023. Chief Justice Shannon Smallwood has reserved her decision, with a verdict on the remaining counts expected on Dec. 18.
FAQ
What is the current status of the trial?
The trial has concluded with the defendant conceding to two charges, but a verdict for the remaining seven counts is scheduled for Dec. 18.
Who investigated the allegations?
The RCMP’s Internet Child Exploitation Unit conducted the investigation into the online communications and alleged sexual contact.
