Man charged by FBI after travelling from Ottawa in child exploitation case
Posted Jun 22, 2026 01:49:57 PM.
Last Updated Jun 22, 2026 01:55:51 PM.
A Canadian is charged by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation after undercover agents found a “disturbing” case of child sexual abuse.
According to a press release from the U.S. Department of Justice, Alexander Towns, 44, is accused of using an online messaging app to communicate with minors to engage in sexual acts.
In this instance, two undercover FBI officers posed as a minor, where they say Towns distributed child sexual abuse materials. During the operation, agents said the man made “sexually explicit statements” of his intentions with the ‘minor.’
Towns travelled from Ottawa to Nashville, Tenn., the release notes, which police say was with the intention of “engaging in sexual acts” with the minor. He was arrested by the FBI after landing in the city.
“We will aggressively prosecute anyone accused of travelling to sexually abuse a minor. This is one of the most disturbing crimes that crosses my desk,” United States Attorney Kyle Bumgarner said.
If convicted, Towns faces a maximum sentence of life in prison with a minimum of 10 years.
“To child predators who think you are anonymously preying upon vulnerable, innocent children through online applications, know that there’s a good chance the FBI is on the other end,” FBI Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson said.
