Local police help in child exploitation arrest

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The Barrie Police Service (BPS) and Huronia West OPP were involved in arresting and charging a Bancroft, Ont. man in an online child sexual exploitation investigation.

According to provincial police, the OPP Child Sexual Exploitation (CSEU) and Digital Forensics units, Huronia West OPP, Bancroft OPP, the BPS and Waterloo Regional Police were involved in the investigation.

Police say search warrants were executed at homes in Bancroft and Phelpston (Springwater Township) and several electronic devices were seized.

A 51-year-old man was arrested and is facing a slew of charges related to child exploitation.

His offences include nine counts of luring a person under 16, luring a person under 18, seven counts of making sexually explicit material available to a person under 16, and six counts of making child pornography available.

The accused was held in custody pending a bail hearing and is scheduled to appear in a Belleville, Ont. court on Thursday.

“The responsibility of protecting our children in today’s digital age cannot be overstated. I encourage every member of our community to stay informed about the online risks young people face,” said Det.-S/S Chris Barkey from the OPP CSEU in a news release. “Parents, in particular, play a crucial role-engage in open conversations with your children, establish clear boundaries, and make use of available resources to help ensure their safety online.”

The OPP added that it will continue to ‘aggressively’ identify and pursue those who use technology to exploit children.

Police also remind parents to proactively protect their children from the dangers of online exploitation.