Multiple People Arrested For Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Through 'Project Time'

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Members of the Peterborough Police Service Internet Child Exploitation Unit participated in the province-wide strategy ‘Project Time.’

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

Project Time was a coordinated provincial effort involving 26 police services to identify and apprehend those who prey on children. Investigators targeted individuals making, possessing, and distributing child sexual abuse material. Victims were also identified and safeguarded, with appropriate support provided to those impacted.

The culmination of the work conducted by investigators with the Peterborough Police Service, as part of the project, includes:

  • 4 Arrests resulting in 7 charges & 1 Youth Diversion

  • 5 Criminal Code Search Warrants executed

  • 15 Judicial Authorizations obtained (Excluding Search Warrants)

  • 24 Electronic devices seized for analysis

  • Eight Ongoing investigations

A 21-year-old Peterborough man was arrested and charged with:

  • Possession of Child Sexual Abuse & Exploitation Material 

The accused was released by the court on a release order after a bail hearing and is scheduled to appear in court on July 28.

A 48-year-old Peterborough man was arrested and charged with:

  • Possession of Child Sexual Abuse & Exploitation Material 

  • Make Available Child Sexual Abuse & Exploitation Material 

  • Fail to comply with Prohibition Regarding Children (accessing internet/social media platforms)

The accused was denied bail during a bail hearing and remains in custody.  He will appear in court on Sept. 29.

A 73-year-old Peterborough man was arrested and charged with:

  • Make Available Child Sexual Abuse & Exploitation Material 

  • Possession of Child Sexual Abuse & Exploitation Material 

  • Bestiality 

The accused was released by the court on a release order after a bail hearing and is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 13.

The youth who was arrested was eligible for diversion in accordance with the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

The names of the accused are not being released due to the above-mentioned ongoing investigations.

“I would like to thank our Internet Child Exploitation officers for their hard work and diligence during these investigations.  These are not easy investigations, and the victims are the most vulnerable and innocent of our communities: in childhood they should be safe. The importance of the work our investigators do in cases like this cannot be understated, and they are committed to bring individuals who prey on our children brought before the courts to face charges.  Make no mistake, no police officer or civilian member who is involved in investigations of this nature is left unscathed by the horrors of abuse visited upon these children. I thank the members of the provincial strategy and partners for their support, in investigating these unimaginable crimes.” Stuart Betts, Chief, Peterborough Police Service.

The Peterborough Police is a member of the Provincial Strategy to protect children from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on the internet. This project has been made possible by a grant from the Ministry of the Solicitor General.

www.protectchildren.ca is an online resource to report concerns and learn about supports. 

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