Ontario man, 19, charged with child pornography offences

A man typing on a backlit computer keyboard. (File photo/Bloomberg Creative Photos/Bloomberg Creative)

A cybercrime investigation in Thunder Bay, Ont., has led to child pornography charges against a local man.

The Thunder Bay Police Service announced the charges in a news release Wednesday.

Investigation triggered by national tip

The investigation began in July when the Thunder Bay police cyber crime unit started looking into the distribution and accessing of child sexual abuse and exploitation material from the city.

“The investigation began in response to a report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children via the National Child Exploitation Crime Centre,” the police service said in a news release.

Search warrant executed, devices seized

The investigation led to the execution of a search warrant at a residence in the city’s north end in October.

“During the search multiple electronic devices were seized,” said police.

Adult teen charged

As a result of the investigation, a 19-year-old local man was taken into custody on Dec. 2. He is facing charges of accessing child pornography and possessing child pornography.

“The accused has been released from custody with a future court date,” said the police service.

Police encourage vigilance, point to resources

Authorities have emphasized the role of parents and caregivers in protecting children online.

“The Thunder Bay Police Service recognizes that parents and caregivers are the frontline when it comes to protecting children on the Internet and electronic devices,” police said.

“We encourage you to remain vigilant in your efforts.”

The police service said that online safety is for children of any age and encouraged parents to speak with their children about internet safety.

Resources for parents are available at cybertip.ca or protectchildren.ca.

The release also noted resources available to individuals struggling with inappropriate urges.

The new Talking for Change program, described as the first of its kind in Canada, provides national, all-ages help for those concerned about their risk of using child sexual exploitation material or of sexually offending against a child.

There are also resources available through the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health for those who have a sexual interest in children.

Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to call Detective Const. Joel Manherz at [phone] ext. 4115 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously using police reference number TB25027324.

Anyone with new information about online child exploitation can also make a report through cybertip.ca.

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