Man, 19, charged in online child sexual exploitation investigation

Reported child pornography cases rose more than 50 per cent in 2023, a Statistics Canada report shows. Most involved a cybercrime component. (Pexels)

Police arrested a 19-year-old man in relation to an online child sexual exploitation investigation.

Provincial police executed a search warrant at a Bradford West Gwillimbury home last week and seized several electronic devices for forensic analysis.

“Our most fundamental responsibility as a society is to protect our children from predators who exploit their vulnerability,” OPP stated in a release. “Many child sexual abuse victims are so young that they cannot tell their story. Each time an image or video of their abuse is shared, it causes further harm and re-victimization to the child.”

The accused is charged with two counts of possessing child pornography.

He was released from police custody following a bail hearing with a scheduled court date for next month.