NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE
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In April of 2020, members of the Niagara Regional Police Service's Internet Child Exploitation (I.C.E.) Unit commenced an investigation into the sexual exploitation of children.
The investigation into the child exploitation material led to a St. Catharines resident. In May of 2020, members assigned to the Niagara Regional Police Service's I.C.E. Unit, concluded their investigation, which resulted in the positive identification of the suspect.
Members of the Niagara Regional Police Service's Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit, Cyber Crimes Unit, and the Technological Crimes Unit began a joint investigation into the matter.
As a result of the investigation, on June 11, 2020, 38-year-old Christopher Peach of St. Catharines was arrested and charged with the alleged offences of:
• Two counts of possession of child pornography Sec. 163.1(4) CC
• One count of accessing child pornography Sec. 163.1(4.1) CC
Peach has been held in custody pending a bail hearing which will take place on Thursday, June 11, 2020 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 here. Internet safety tips for parents, children and Internet users are also available on the Cybertip website.
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