An arrest has been made in connection to an online child luring investigation, with at least one victim in Chatham-Kent.
The FBI began investigating a Portland, Oregon man in January 2022. In March, 2023, Chatham-Kent Police became involved after a local victim was identified.
Investigators say the accused was using Instagram to persuade victims across North America to take and send him sexually explicit photos of themselves.
The 18-year-old suspect has now been charged with sexual exploitation of children, attempted sexual exploitation of children, receiving child pornography and possessing child pornography.
Authorities say a safety plan and supports have been put in place for the local victim.
Parents are reminded to talk to their own children and remind them never to engage in conservations with strangers, never share intimate images online, and don’t do anything on camera that you wouldn’t be comfortable with your friends or family seeing.
Residents can report suspicious Internet activities relating to child exploitation to the Chatham-Kent Police Service or online at www.cybertip.ca. Internet safety tips for parents, children, and Internet users are also available on our website (www.ckpolice.com) as well as the Cybertip website.
