NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE SERVICE
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In September of 2019, members of the Niagara Regional Police Service's Internet Child Exploitation Unit commenced an investigation into the sexual exploitation of children.
The investigation into the child exploitation material led to a St. Catharines 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.
Members of the Niagara Regional Police Service's Internet Child Exploitation Unit, the Technological Crimes Unit, the Child Abuse Unit, and the Sexual Assault Unit began a joint investigation into the matter.
As a result of the investigation, on May 21, 2020, 19-year-old Nicholas Raymond Leroux of St. Catharines, Ontario was arrested and charged with the following:
- Two counts of possession of child pornography Sec. 163.1(4)CC
- One count of accessing child pornography Sec. 163.1(4.1) CC
- One count of making child pornography Sec. 163.1(2) CC
- One count of voyeurism Sec. 162(1)(a) CC
- One count of sexual assault Sec 271 CC
- One count of sexual interference Sec 151 CC
Leroux has been held in custody pending a bail hearing, which will take place on Friday, May 22, 2020 at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse, located at 59 Church Street, St. Catharines, Ontario.
Detectives have reason to believe, through the course of their investigation, that there may be additional victims. Anyone with further information is asked to contact Detective Sergeant David Biggar at (905) 688-4111, dial option 3, Badge #9128.
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.
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