Calgary psychologist charged with making, sharing child pornography

The Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams’ internet child Exploitation unit arrested Dustin Hrycun, 45, on Thursday. (Psychology Today)

A Calgary psychologist is facing child pornography charges after he allegedly shared exploitation materials through online messaging service Kik.

The Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams’ (ALERT) internet child exploitation unit arrested Dustin Hrycun, 45, on Thursday.

He is charged with possessing, accessing and making child pornography available.

ALERT says Hrycun worked to treat both adults and youth at Rising Sun Psychological Services, but his charges stem from online activity and it’s “unknown at this time” if any clients were victimized.

“Given the suspect’s position of care and trust, it is certainly concerning, and we can appreciate how clients would be alarmed,” said Staff Sgt. Mark Auger in a Friday news release.

An online profile posted to Psychology Today indicates Hrycun specializes in treating depression, anxiety, trauma, couples work, life transition, belief system struggles, religious trauma, existential and self discovery, and sexuality and gender issues.

“I aim to meet my clients apart from the pretension and stigmas of the psychology world, as well as the norms of culture/society in general,” Hrycun says in the profile.

“Creating a space apart from all the things we think we need to be and should be allows for an authenticity to engage the obstacles in life in a new way.”

ALERT says several computers and electronic devices were seized from Hrycun’s home.

“Our investigation will continue and with a full forensic analysis of his electronic devices in an attempt to explore other evidence,” Auger said.

Hrycun was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 25.

Anyone with information about this investigation, or any online child exploitation situation, is asked to call police or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously.