Members of the Ontario Provincial Police Child Sexual Exploitation Unit, Digital Forensics Unit and the East Algoma Detachment have arrested and charged a Blind River resident following an online child sexual exploitation investigation.
OPP Constable Phil Young says last Thursday, police executed a search warrant at a home in Blind River and seized numerous electronic devices.
He says as a result, a 44-year-old man was arrested and charged with two counts of possession of child pornography and one charge of making child pornography available.
Young adds the accused is to appear in Sault St. Marie court today.
Young says it is important that people recognize children often cannot share their stories.
“Children are our most valuable and precious members of society. Many victims of child sexual abuse are so young that they cannot tell their story. Every time an image or video depicting that abuse is shared, that child is re-victimized. Members of the OPP Child Sexual Exploitation Unit will continue to pursue individuals who exploit children on the Internet,” says Young.
Anyone wanting to make a difference is encouraged to go to www.protectchildren.ca and download the “Child Sexual Abuse-It Is Your Business” brochure from the Canadian Center for Child Protection.
Parents are reminded to take a proactive approach to help protect their children from online sexual exploitation by speaking with their children regarding internet safety. Parents and anyone interested in protecting children can find resources to assist them at www.cybertip.ca.
Police are asking anyone who may have information regarding this investigation or if you have information regarding internet child exploitation, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. If wish to remain anonymous you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca. Reporting information may also be made on the internet through www.cybertip.ca.
