Metro Vancouver- from www.vancouversun.com — Two Port Moody men are facing multiple charges for filming sex with underage girls at a house party last fall, and police say more suspects may be involved.
Port Moody police received a noise complaint on Sept. 12, 2009, about a home in the 900 block of Clarke Road. When officers showed up to investigate, an underage person at the party alleged a 25-year-old man was having sex with and filming teen girls inside the home.
The officers located and arrested Matthew Richard Sadlowski on four counts of sexual touching a person under 16, four charges of sexual interference of a person under 16 and one charge of making or publishing child pornography.
They also arrested Michael Brian West, 23 at the time, on four charges of invitation to sexual touching of a person under 16, one charge of making or publishing child pornography and one charge of a householder permitting sexual activity.
Both men were known to police for unrelated reasons.
Cpl. Bill Kim said the situation involved more than one girl under 16 years old, but he would not confirm the age or number of victims. He did note that drugs and alcohol were not involved.
The underage guests went to the party allegedly hosted by the suspects, whom they had met through previous community relations or networking, Kim added.
“These individuals knew [the teen girls] through past dealings, and then maybe the word got out that there might have been a party going on,” he said Tuesday.
“When I was growing up, a 14- or 13-year-old kid would not go to a party involving people over 20, but we live in different times.”
Investigations have revealed that more suspects may be involved, he added. “By all means, the statute of limitations is not over on this thing. If further information comes up that there are other individuals involved and we have solid evidence, then further charges will be laid.”
Kim also said he has no information to indicate the men were engaged in similar activity at other parties.
The girls received counselling from the department’s victim services unit, and the pair are awaiting a trial in 2011.
Kim stressed that the community needs to be vigilant to protect children and youth.
“These types of crimes are so abhorrent. It shocks and it rocks the very foundation of our community. Nothing is more gut-wrenching,” he said.
“It hits the very centre of our core … There are predators out there that see the young and vulnerable, and they take full advantage. This is where life skills and wherewithal of your surroundings is very important.”