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Child exploitation charges laid against 107 people, including 1 in North Bay

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(stock photo)

In October, hundreds of charges were laid across Ontario in relation to child exploitation, including on case in North Bay.

On October 14, North Bay Police charged a 21-year old male from McDougall, west of Sundridge, with:

  • Makes, prints, publishes or possesses for the purpose of publication, any child pornography
  • Possession of child pornography
  • Assault with a weapon
  • Criminal harassment
  • Uttering threats
  • Two counts of Failing to comply with a probation order 

The North Bay Police Service says it will not be releasing the name of the accused to protect the identity of the victim but say he was charged while in custody at a correctional centre.

The charges stem from incidents occurring between November 2015 and June 2022.

The arrest is part of a provincial strategy called "Maverick"

During October, 27 policing partners conducted 255 investigations, completed 168 search warrants and seized 1,032 devices. In total, 428 charges were laid against 107 people. During the investigations, 61 victims were identified and referred to appropriate community-based resources for assistance, while an additional 60 children were safeguarded.

There are 175 ongoing investigations where additional charges may be laid.

“I want to recognize the tremendous work of all Provincial Strategy partners and the members of the North Bay Police Service who undertake these difficult and complex investigations on a daily basis." said Inspector Scott McFarlane of the North Bay Police Service Criminal Investigations Section. "This work takes a toll on all involved, but we are motivated by the fact that it produces justice for the young victims, and their families and helps make our community safer.

"I encourage every member of the public to do their part to keep children safe by reporting crimes and suspicious incidents if and when they see something. I also encourage parents and caregivers to talk to their children and young people about the dangers that can be found online and online safety”

The Provincial Strategy includes two ministries (Attorney General and Solicitor General) and 27 participating police agencies including North Bay.

Since the Provincial Strategy began in 2006, it has completed 65,564 investigations and laid 24,608 charges against 6,540 people. A total of 3,470 victims have been identified worldwide.

The investigations continue and anyone with information on these or any child exploitation investigations is asked to contact their local police.



Jeff Turl

About the Author: Jeff Turl

Jeff is a veteran of the news biz. He's spent a lengthy career in TV, radio, print and online, covering both news and sports. He enjoys free time riding motorcycles and spoiling grandchildren.
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