NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE
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In February of 2019, members of the Niagara Regional Police Service Internet Child Exploitation (I.C.E.) commenced an investigation into the sexual exploitation of children.
The investigation led investigators to a St. Catharines residence. On April 26, 2019, members assigned to the Niagara Regional Police Service's I.C.E. Unit, assisted by members of the Technological Crimes Unit and the Cyber Crimes Unit, executed a search warrant at a St. Catharines home. A number of computer systems and storage media were seized and forensically examined.
As a result of the investigation, on April 26, 2019, 44-year-old Thomas J. Weller of St. Catharines, Ont. was arrested and charged with the following:
• count one - make available child pornography - Sec.163.1(3)CC
• count two - accessing child pornography Sec. 163.1 (4.1)CC
• count three - possession of child pornography Sec. 163.1(4)CC
• count four - possession of child pornography Sec. 163.1(4)CC
Weller has been held in custody pending a bail hearing which will take place on Saturday, April 27, 2019 at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse, located at 59 Church St., St. Catharines, Ont.
Members of the public are also encouraged to report crimes anonymously through Crime Stoppers 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 website.
Information on crimes can also be submitted anonymously using Crime Stoppers of Niagara.
To leave an anonymous tip, please contact Crime Stoppers via:
Telephone - 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS)
Online - www.niagaratips.ca
Crime Stoppers guarantees that you will remain anonymous through any of the methods offered to provide tips. You may also be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000 if the information leads to an arrest.
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