NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE SERVICE
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On Oct. 5, 2023, Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) detectives assigned to the Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit received information from the United States Homeland Security Investigations and the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Credible evidence was provided indicating that a resident of the Niagara region was actively engaged in using the internet to facilitate the exploitation of children in both the U.S. and Canada. NRPS detectives immediately commenced an investigation to identify the suspect.
During the early morning hours of Oct. 6, 2023, Matthew Bruce Iverson (36 years old) of Beamsville was arrested and charged with the following offences:
- Make child pornography (written)
- Possess child pornography
- Make child pornography available
Detectives subsequently executed a search warrant at Iverson's residence and seized several electronic devices that are believed to have been used in the commission of these offences.
Iverson was held in custody after his arrest and is set to appear for a bail hearing on Oct. 6, 2023, at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse, located at 59 Church Street, in the City of St. Catharines.
Online platforms that allow like-minded users to create and share Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) are prevalent on the Internet. Offenders who hide behind an anonymous account for the purpose of sexually exploiting children can be identified and will be held accountable for their actions.
For more information on how parents and guardians can keep children safe online click here
The Niagara Regional Police Service is a member of the Provincial Strategy to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on the Internet and conducts investigations into Internet Child Exploitation Offences in partnership with Ontario Police Services and International Partners. This investigative initiative has been made possible by a grant from the Ministry of the Solicitor General.
Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information that leads to an arrest.
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