ONTARIO — In a span of five days, seven warrants were executed across Ontario and five persons charged with over 22 criminal code offences. These warrants were conducted between May 4 and May 8. They represent an example of the ongoing sexual interest in children across Ontario. Although these investigations are not related, they highlight that offenders are of all age groups, employment, and social economical classes. The following individuals have been arrested and charged.
Tanner Raymond, 22 years old, of Quinte West, Ontario was charged with possession of child pornography, and with making available child pornography. He was held for a bail hearing.
Simon Yalkezian, 33 years old, of Cobourg, Ontario was charged with five counts of making available child pornography (five counts), accessing child pornography, and with possession of child pornography. He was held for a bail hearing.
James Aldworth, 25 years old, of Cobourg, Ontario was charged with four counts of luring a child, transmit explicit material to a child, and with indecent exposure to a child. Individual was held for a bail hearing.
A 42 year old woman of Trenton, Ontario was charged with two counts of possession of Child Pornography, and with making child pornography. She was held for a bail hearing and cannot be named to protect the identity of the victim.
A 17 year old man of Haldimand, Ontario was charged with voyeurism, making available child pornography, possession of child pornography, and with distribute intimate images without consent. He was released to his parents and cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act provision.
“Child exploitation is everyone’s business,” wrote the OPP in a news release. “Parents and caregivers must be aware that even during a pandemic, the exploitation of children does not stop. It stands to reason that with more children isolating at home and more offenders also self-isolating there will be increase risk that our children will cross the online path of someone with ill intent. This is a great time to have a conversation with your children about online risks.”
Anyone wanting to make a difference is encouraged to go to www.protectchildren.ca and download the “Child Sexual Abuse-It Is Your Business” brochure from the Canadian Centre for Child Protection. This is an important first step that can save a child.
Parents are reminded to take a proactive approach to help protect their children from online sexual exploitation by speaking with their children regarding internet safety. Parents and anyone interested in protecting children can find resources to assist them at www.cybertip.ca. Police are asking anyone who may have information regarding this investigation or if you have information regarding internet child exploitation, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. If wish to remain anonymous you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca. Reporting information may also be made on the internet through www.cybertip.ca.
