Man charged with offences against children has ties to Sudbury

Niagara Regional police began an investigation in April into a suspect they believed was making and possessing child sexual abuse and exploitation material. (File)

Police say they are concerned that a 71-year-old man from Peterborough charged with crimes against children may have committed similar crimes when he lived in other cities, including Greater Sudbury.

Niagara Regional police began an investigation in April into a suspect they believed was making and possessing child sexual abuse and exploitation material.

“As a result of the joint team investigation, a suspect male from Peterborough was identified,” Niagara police said in a news release.

Arrested May 21

Gordon Gould, 71, was arrested May 21 and charged with two counts of making child sexual abuse and exploitation material, one count of possessing child sexual abuse and exploitation material, three counts each of sexual assault and sexual interference, two counts of invitation to sexual touching and three counts of exposing genitals to someone under the age of 16.

None of the charges have been proven in court.

Gould was held in custody after his arrest in St. Catharines.

“Detectives believe that there may be more victims historically that have not come forward,” police said.

Lived in Sudbury, Etobicoke, St. Catharines

Gould resided in the St. Catharines area from 2015 through 2020. He used to live in Sudbury, Etobicoke and other parts of Ontario. He has been a resident of Peterborough since 2024.

Detectives are asking anyone with information related to this incident or anyone who has had contact with Gould in the past to contact the Niagara Regional Police Service’s Sexual Assault Unit at 905-688-4111, Option 3, ext. 1009336.

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Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477.