NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE SERVICE
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In September of 2020, members of the Niagara Regional Police Service's Internet Child Exploitation Unit (I.C.E.) commenced an investigation into the sexual exploitation of children.
The investigation into the child exploitation material led to a St. Catharines residence. In January of 2021, members assigned to the Niagara Regional Police Service's I.C.E. Unit,Technological Crime Unit and Cyber Crime Unit concluded their investigation, which resulted in the identification of a suspect, and the execution of a search warrant at a St. Catharines residence.
As a result of the investigation, on Jan. 7, 2021, 25-year-old Brandon James of St. Catharines, Ontario was arrested and charged with the following:
- Three counts of possession of child pornography Sec. 163.1(4)CC
- Two counts of accessing child pornography Sec. 163.1 (4.1)CC
- Two counts of making child pornography available Sec. 163.1(3)CC
James has been held in custody pending a bail hearing which will take place on Friday, Jan. 8, 2021 at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse, located at 59 Church Street, St. Catharines, Ont.
Members of the public are also encouraged to report crimes anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
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 numerous Ontario Police Services. This investigative initiative has been made possible by a grant from the Ministry of the Solicitor General.
Members of the public can report suspicious Internet activities relating to child exploitation to the Niagara Regional Police Service, or online at www.cybertip.ca. Internet safety tips for parents, children and Internet users are also available on the Cybertip website. Cybertip.ca is Canada’s national tipline for reporting the online sexual exploitation of children. Tips from the public can help protect children from sexual abuse. Canadians are encouraged to report concerns to Cybertip.ca if someone they know may be victimizing children online. For more information on addressing child victimization or to report concerns visit cybertip.ca.
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