Pennsylvania man facing charges after 11-year-old in Ottawa sexually exploited online: police

Ottawa Police sign outside headquarters on Elgin St. in Ottawa. (CTV News Ottawa)

A 22-year-old Pennsylvania man is facing charges following an investigation into a complaint that an 11-year-old in Ottawa had been sexually exploited online.

The Ottawa Police Service launched an investigation into online child exploitation in May.

“Through interviewing the victim and examining digital evidence, the Internet Child Exploitation and Digital Forensics units determined that an 11-year-old had been sexually exploited over several months and found evidence the suspect had also abused a 14-year-old in the U.S.,” police said in a media release.

“Investigators identified the suspect and, in cooperation with the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA), confirmed he travelled from the U.S. to Ottawa to meet the 11-year-old victim in July 2025.”

Police also identified the 14-year-old victim in the U.S.

The Ottawa Police Service says its lead investigator worked with Homeland Security Investigations in Ottawa to locate the U.S.-based suspect.

Joseph Erkert of Dingmans Ferry, PA, was arrested by U.S. authorities. Police say Erkert was charged with the following in connection with the Ottawa investigation: sexual abuse of a child, unlawful contact with a minor, corruption of a minor and criminal use of communication facility.

Police say the suspect is also facing charges in connection with the 14-year-old victim, including aggravated indecent assault and indecent assault on a person less than 16 years of age.

Erkert remains in custody in the U.S.

Police say investigators are concerned there may be other victims.

“Erkert used the following usernames: nextrevit79 and Next revitYT,” police said.

Anyone who recognizes these usernames or believes their child may have had contact with this individual is asked to contact the OPS Internet Child Exploitation Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5660.

“This investigation is indicative of the strong network of international investigators that the OPS Internet Child Exploitation Unit is a part of and, in particular, of the close working relationship with Homeland Security Investigations and Canada Border Services Agency with regards to child exploitation,” police said.

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