Police lay sex tourism charges against Toronto senior

Police have laid sex tourism charges against a Toronto senior for the first time under a little-used section of Canadian law.

Investigators say they got permission from the Attorney General to charge the 78-year-old man with offences allegedly committed in Cuba.

James McTurk was initially arrested last July and charged with possessing, accessing and importing child pornography at his home.

Now, he’s facing new charges that include making child pornography, invitation to sexual touching, committing an indecent act, and six counts of sexual interference.

Police allege those offences were committed in Cuba between June 2011 and July 2012.

Det. Sgt. Kim Gross said investigators found photographs allegedly of young children with the accused.

Police say McTurk visited Cuba 31 times between 2008 and 2012.

He is scheduled to appear in court Monday.

Since 1997, Canada’s Criminal Code has specifically prohibited child sex tourism. Canadian citizens and permanent residents who are accused of engaging in sexual activity with children abroad can be charged and prosecuted in Canada.

With a report from W5’s Victor Malarek