ONTARIO-The OPP Child Sexual Exploitation Unit (CSEU), with the assistance of the Huronia West OPP and OPP Digital Forensics, has arrested and charged a Wasaga Beach resident following a child sexual exploitation investigation.
As a result of the investigation, a search warrant was executed at a residence, and several electronic devices were seized.
24-year-old Brayden Sturgess from Wasaga Beach, was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code offences:
• Possession of child pornography, section 163.1(4) – two counts
• Make child pornography available, section 163.1(3)
The accused remains in custody pending a bail hearing and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Barrie on February 13, 2025.
“Children deserve to grow up safe and free from harm. Each time an image or video of child sexual abuse is shared, it can deepen the trauma for that child. The OPP remains committed to identifying and prosecuting those who exploit children online.” said Detective Staff Sergeant Chris Barkey, OPP CSEU
The OPP says it will continue to aggressively identify and pursue individuals who use technology to exploit children. Parents are reminded to take a proactive approach to help protect their children from online sexual exploitation by speaking with their children about internet safety. Parents can find resources to assist them at cybertip.ca or protectchildren.ca.
If you have information regarding online child exploitation and wish to provide information anonymously, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca. Information may also be reported through cybertip.ca.
