NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE SERVICE
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In October of 2020, members of the Niagara Regional Police Service's Internet Child Exploitation Unit (I.C.E.) commenced an investigation into the sexual exploitation of children.
In February of 2021, members assigned to the Niagara Regional Police Service's I.C.E. Unit and Technological Crime Unit concluded their investigation, which resulted in the identification of a suspect.
As a result of the investigation, on Feb. 25, 2021, 67-year-old Stephen Leslie Paul Sanderson of St. Catharines, Ontario, (formerly of Ottawa) 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
Sanderson has been held in custody pending a bail hearing which will take place on Friday, Feb. 26, 2021, at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse, located at 59 Church Street, St. Catharines, Ontario.
The investigation by detectives remains ongoing. Anyone who may have information about Sanderson is being asked to contact detectives at 905-688-4111, extension 1009172.
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.
Cybertip.ca is Canada’s national tipline for reporting the online sexual exploitation of children. Tips from the public can help protect children from sexual abuse. Canadians are encouraged to report concerns to Cybertip.ca if someone they know may be victimizing children online. For more information on addressing child victimization or to report concerns visit cybertip.ca.
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