NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE SERVICE
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In October 2021, members of the Niagara Regional Police Service's Internet Child Exploitation (I.C.E.) Unit commenced an investigation into the sexual exploitation of children.
As a result of the investigation, on Thursday Feb. 24, 2022, 35-year-old Christopher MacDonald of Welland was arrested and charged with the following offences of:
- Possession of Child Pornography contrary to section 163.1(4) of the Criminal Code (2 Counts)
- Accessing Child Pornography contrary to section 163.1(4.1) of the Criminal Code of Canada
- Making Child Pornography Available contrary to section 163.1(3) of the Criminal Code
MacDonald has been held in custody pending a bail hearing which will take place on Thursday February 24th, 2022, by way of video at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse, located at 59 Church Street, St. Catharines, Ontario.
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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