NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE SERVICE
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In April 2020, members of the Niagara Regional Police Service Internet Child Exploitation (I.C.E.) commenced an investigation into the sexual exploitation of children.
The investigation into the child exploitation material led to a Niagara Falls residence. In May of 2020, detectives assigned to the Niagara Regional Police Service's ICE Unit concluded their investigation, which resulted in the identification of a suspect.
As a result of the investigation, on May 5, 2020, 42-year-old Scott William Hunter of Niagara Falls, Ont. was arrested and charged with the alleged criminal offence of:
- Possession of Child Pornography Sec. 163.1(4)CC (6 Counts)
- Accessing Child Pornography Sec. 163.1 (4.1)CC (5 Counts)
- Making Child Pornography Available Sec, 163.1(3)CC (2 Counts)
- Distributing Child Pornography Sec. 163.1(3)CC (2 Counts)
- Failure to Comply with Prohibition Order Sec. 161 (4)CC (5 Counts)
Hunter has been held in custody pending a bail hearing which will take place on Tuesday, May 5, 2020, at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse, located at 59 Church Street, St. Catharines, Ontario.
Members of the public are also encouraged to report crimes anonymously through Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
The Niagara Regional Police Service is a member of the Provincial Strategy to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on the Internet and conducts investigations into Internet Child Exploitation Offences in partnership with numerous Ontario Police Services. This investigative initiative has been made possible by a grant from the Ministry of the Solicitor General.
Members of the public can report suspicious Internet activities relating to child exploitation to the Niagara Regional Police Service, or online. Internet safety tips for parents, children and Internet users are also available on the Cybertip web site.
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