Edmonton police charge celebrity photographer with sexually assaulting teen, child porn

A freelance photographer from Brampton, Ont., who has shot rock star concerts and a star-studded film festival is facing child porn and sexual assault charges in Edmonton.

Edmonton police say a teenage girl complained she was inappropriately touched during two photo shoots earlier this month. The first happened in a barn in west Edmonton on June 2, and the second at a north-side home on June 11.

On both occasions, the complainant said she was photographed in revealing poses and touched inappropriately at both locations and in a vehicle.

The girl went to police the day after the second incident.

Edmonton Police Service’s Child Protection Section began investigating.

Christopher John LaFrance, 47, also known as C.J. LaFrance, is facing two counts of sexual interference, two counts of sexual assault, making child pornography and possession of child pornography.

LaFrance was featured in a 2009 Toronto Star profile on red carpet photographers at the Toronto International Film Festival.

In 2011, LaFrance had an exhibit at a Brampton art gallery featuring “pieces focusing on the posterior or derriere of celebrities while also capturing shots of dozens of homeless people,” according to a local feature.

The piece mentioned LaFrance’s experience as a concert photographer. Several Getty Images from a 2009 Metallica concert in Toronto are attributed to the photographer.

A 2012 post on gossip website The Dirty contained several unfounded allegations of inappropriate behaviour as well as posts defending the photographer.

The Edmonton Police Service encourages people to contact them at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone to report any crime. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.