NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE SERVICE
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In May 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 a suspect.
Members of the Niagara Regional Police Service's Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit and the Technological Crimes Unit began a joint investigation into the matter.
As a result of the investigation, on June 10, 2020, 52-year-old Roderick Andrew Cowan of the City of St. Catharines was arrested and charged with the following:
- Possession of Child Pornography Sec. 163.1(4) CC
- Accessing Child Pornography Sec. 163.1(4.1) CC
Cowan is currently being held in custody pending a bail hearing which will take place via video on Thursday, June 11, 2020 at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse in the City of St. Catharines.
Members of the public are also encouraged to report crimes anonymously through Crimestoppers 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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