The North Bay Police Service says a 34-year-old man from Redbridge has been charged with possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material following an investigation by its Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit. Police laid the charge on Nov. 13, and the accused is being held in custody pending a bail hearing. ICE Unit investigates online exploitation Police said the ICE Unit investigates crimes involving the online sexual exploitation of children, working to identify and locate individuals who use the internet to target, groom or exploit children, including offences involving online luring and child sexual abuse and exploitation material. “Investigators work to identify victims, gather digital evidence and hold those responsible accountable,” police said in a news release Friday. The unit also works with other police services through Ontario’s Provincial Strategy to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on the Internet, recognizing that these crimes often cross community and international borders. Crimes have lifelong impact, deputy chief says “Protecting children from online exploitation is one of the most important responsibilities our investigators have,” said deputy chief Robert Norman. “These crimes can have a lifelong impact on victims and their families.” Public asked to report information Anyone with information that could help the investigation or protect a child is asked to contact North Bay police at 705-472-1234. Support available Survivors and families affected by online child sexual exploitation can access support, resources and information through the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, including help with online image removal, safety planning and connecting with others who have had similar experiences. For more information, visit protectchildren.ca. Additional resources for assault survivors If you or someone you know is struggling with sexual assault or trauma, the following resources are available to support people in crisis: Read about your rights as a victim here.
