NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE SERVICE
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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.
Members of the Niagara Regional Police Service's Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit, Child Abuse Unit and the Technological Crimes Unit began a joint investigation into the child exploitation material which led to a Niagara Falls resident.
In August 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.
On Aug. 5, 2020, the suspect was arrested.
Michael A. Diodati (59 years old) of Niagara Falls, Ont., was arrested and charged with the alleged following offences:
- Two counts of possession of child pornography Sec. 163.1(4) CC
- One count of accessing child pornography Sec. 163.1(4.1) CC
Diodati has been held in custody pending a bail hearing which will take place on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2020 at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse, located at 59 Church Street, in the City of St. Catharines.
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.
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