PETERBOROUGH-Two people from Peterborough are among hundreds charged across Ontario, a snapshot of the work done by investigators and analysts that make up the Provincial Strategy to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on the Internet (Provincial Strategy).
The results of the investigations completed in October, named Project MAVERICK, were announced in a video release showcasing members of the Provincial Strategy. During the month, the 27 policing partners conducted 255 investigations, completed 168 search warrants and seized 1,032 devices. In total, 428 charges were laid against 107 people. During the investigations, 61 victims were identified and referred to appropriate community-based resources for assistance, while an additional 60 children were safeguarded. There are 175 ongoing investigations where additional charges may be laid.
“These numbers are shocking, but they provide hope by showing the lengths our teams are willing to go to protect children. I would like to express gratitude for the hard work of the Provincial Strategy members, and our partners, in keeping children in this province safe and holding those who want to harm them accountable.”
said OPP Chief Superintendent Kari Dart, OPP Investigation and Support Bureau
33-year-old Kalin Armstrong of Peterborough was charged with:
- Make Available Child Pornography
- Distribution of Child Pornography
- Possession of Child Pornography
- Accessing Child Pornography
He will appear in court on December 14.
A 32-year-old unnamed adult male from Peterborough was charged with:
•Possession of Child Pornography
- Distribution of Child Pornography
He was released on bail with conditions, next court appearance December 6, 2022
People from Port Hope, Trent Hills, Courtice and Bowmanville are also among those charged.
Detective Inspector Jordan Whitesell told Kawartha 411 News these charges are indicative of the number of charges laid each and every month across the province.
“We are on to a new month now so those same numbers will continue to show themselves and demonstrate a staggering amount of this issue.” Â Whitesell said “Across the provincial strat the numbers we see every month are staggering.”
The Provincial Strategy includes two ministries (Attorney General and Solicitor General) and 27 participating police agencies: Barrie, Belleville, Brantford, Chatham-Kent, Cornwall, Durham, Greater Sudbury, Guelph, Halton, Hamilton, Kingston, London, Niagara, North Bay, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Ottawa, Peel, Peterborough, Sarnia, Sault Ste. Marie, Thunder Bay, Timmins, Toronto, Waterloo, Windsor, Woodstock and York.
Additional partners that participated in these investigations included OPP Digital Forensics, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Canada Border Services Agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security. The BOOST Child and Youth Advocacy Centre, the Children’s Aid Society and the Canadian Centre for Child Protection provided victims’ support and education.
“The work done by the Provincial Strategy members takes us to some of the darkest corners of society and exposes the horrific crimes committed every day against children. This is not a crime that can be combatted by our members alone and we ask that everyone out there recognize the importance they play in protecting children. Report these crimes, remain vigilant and educate yourself.” stated  OPP Detective Sergeant Jamie King, Provincial Strategy Lead
Since the Provincial Strategy began in 2006, it has completed 65,564 investigations and laid 24,608 charges against 6,540 people. A total of 3,470 victims have been identified worldwide.
The investigations continue and anyone with information on these or any child exploitation investigations are asked to contact their local police. Report any instances of online child abuse to police or cybertip.ca. If a child is being harmed, call 9-1-1.
Click here for the full list of those charged:5 Project MAVERICK ADDENDUM OF CHARGED PERSONS FINAL
