Ontario man, 19, charged with sexual assault, interference of minor

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

A Thunder Bay man is facing multiple charges following a police investigation into an online child exploitation case.

Investigation began in December

The Thunder Bay Police Service’s cyber crime unit began the investigation on Dec. 3, 2025, after receiving a report.

“Officers identified a suspect who self-surrendered at the Thunder Bay Police Station on Jan. 20,” police said in a news release.

19-year-old charged

Police said the investigation resulted in several charges against a 19-year-old local man.

The accused is charged with sexual interference, inviting someone under 16 years of age to sexual touching, sexual assault on a person under 16 years of age and making sexually explicit material available to a person under 16 years of age.

“The accused was remanded into custody after their first court appearance,” police said.

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 TB25047433.

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

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:

• If you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety, you should call 911.
• A full list of sexual assault centres in Canada that offer information, advocacy and counselling can be found at ReeseCommunity.com. Resources in your community can be found by entering your postal code.
• Helplines, legal services and locations that offer sexual assault kits in Alberta, B.C., Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, Ontario and Nova Scotia can be found here.
• 24-hour crisis line: 1-416-597-8808
• Assaulted Women’s Helpline: 1-866-863-0511
• National Residential School Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419
• Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: [phone]
• Trans Lifeline: 1-877-330-6366
• Sexual misconduct support for current or former members of the Armed Forces: 1-844-750-1648

Read about your rights as a victim here.

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