A Chatham man is one of more than 100 people arrested in a province-wide police crackdown on child exploitation and abuse.
During the month of October, 27 police agencies collaborated in Project MAVERICK to execute 168 search warrants and seize 1,032 devices across the province. In total, 428 charges were laid against 107 people.
As well, 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,” said OPP Chief Superintendent Kari Dart in a news release.
Among those arrested was an unnamed 36-year-old Chatham man who is now charged with possession of child pornography, two counts of distribution of child pornography, and failing to comply with a release order. He has been remanded into custody.
The 27 policing partners, which include the Chatham-Kent Police Service, are part of the Provincial Strategy to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on the Internet. The Provincial Strategy also includes the ministries of the Attorney General and Solicitor General.
“The work done by the Provincial Strategy members take us to some of the darkest corners of society and exposes the horrific crimes committed every day against children,” said OPP Detective Sergeant Jamie King, the Provincial Strategy lead. “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.”
Since its formation in 2006, the Provincial Strategy has completed 65,564 investigations and laid 24,608 charges against 6,540 people. A total of 3,470 victims have been identified worldwide.
