NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE
*********************************
In April of 2021, members of the Niagara Regional Police Service's Sexual Assault Unit and the Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit commenced an investigation into the sexual exploitation of a child.
As a result of the investigation, on Sept. 15, 2021, [Charges withdrawn] was arrested and charged with the following:
• one count of making child pornography contrary to section 163.1(2) of the Criminal Code
• one count of possession of child pornography contrary to section 163.1(4) of the Criminal Code
• one count of making child pornography available contrary to section 163.1(3) of the Criminal Code
[Charges withdrawn] has been held in custody pending a bail hearing which will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2021 by way of video at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse located at 59 Church St., 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. Internet safety tips for parents, children and Internet users are also available on the Cybertip website.
*********************************
EDITOR'S NOTE: The above article has been edited to reflect that charges against the accused were withdrawn on May 24, 2022
