Sault man arrested in multi-city child exploitation investigation

A hand is shown operating a computer mouse with a screen full of blurred images shown on the monitor in the background. (File photo/CTV News)

A 41-year-old man from Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., is facing child luring charges following a coordinated investigation that began in Winnipeg and involved police services in Thunder Bay and Sault Ste. Marie.

The accused was taken into custody on the morning of Oct. 29 and has been charged with providing sexually explicit material to a child under 16 and luring a child under 16.

He was held in custody pending a bail hearing.

Investigation began in Winnipeg with a cybertip

The investigation was initiated in March 2025 by the Winnipeg Police Service after it received a Cybertip report. The report concerned an adult communicating inappropriately with a child under the age of 16 through a social media platform.

Based on the information gathered, the investigation was subsequently transferred to the Thunder Bay Police Service.

Suspect identified in Sault Ste. Marie

The Thunder Bay police investigation progressed and, in September 2025, identified the suspect’s location.

“In September of 2025, their investigation revealed the suspect – identified as the accused – resides in Sault Ste. Marie,” the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service said in a news release.

With the suspect located in their jurisdiction, the investigation was transferred to the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service, their technological crime unit, then took over the case.

Search warrant executed, arrest made

“Sault Ste. Marie Police Service’s technological crime unit executed a search warrant, examined devices belonging to the accused and formed grounds for an arrest and charges,” said police.

Support for parents and guardians

Parents are encouraged to protect their children from online sexual exploitation by speaking with them about internet safety. Parents can find resources to help them at cybertip.ca or protectchildren.ca.

Anyone with new information about online child exploitation can make a report through cybertip.ca or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously.

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