NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE
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Port Colborne Man Arrested on Child Pornography Charges In September of 2019, members of the Niagara Regional Police Service Internet Child Exploitation (I.C.E.) Unit commenced an investigation into the sexual exploitation of children.
The investigation into the child exploitation material led to a Port Colborne residence.
In May of 2020, members assigned to the Niagara Regional Police Service's I.C.E. Unit, concluded their investigation, which resulted in the identification of a suspect.
As a result of the investigation, on May 20, 2020, 35-year-old Joseph Franklin Crawford of Port Colborne, Ontario was arrested and charged with the alleged following offences:
- Possession of child pornography Sec. 163.1(4) CC (Four counts)
- Accessing child pornography Sec. 163.1(4.1) CC (Three counts)
- Make available child pornography Sec. 163.1(3) CC (Three counts)
Crawford has been held in custody pending a bail hearing which will take place on Thursday, May 20, 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 at www.cybertip.ca. Internet safety tips for parents, children and Internet users are also available on the Cybertip website. #2019-91593
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