Sault man accused of luring 12 and 13-year-old children online

Scared sad girl with a laptop suffering from online harassment feeling desperate and intimidated. Officials say children are more likely to be exploited when using the internet unsupervised. (File photo/SB Arts Media/GettyImages)

A 42-year-old Sault Ste. Marie man is accused of having “inappropriate” online relationships with two children – ages 12 and 13.

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a complaint about the accused last year.

“OPP crime units made (the) arrest following an extensive investigation into online child sexual exploitation,” police said in a news release.

“The arrest is also in relation to a search warrant police executed at a Rossmore Road residence in Sault Ste. Marie in December 2024.”

As a result of the police investigation, the 42-year-old has been charged with:

• eight counts of luring a person under 16 years old by means of telecommunication,
• eight counts of making sexually explicit material available to a person under 16 years old,
• two counts of inviting sexual touching to a person under 16 years old,
• two counts of extortion,
• two counts of accessing child pornography and
• possession of child pornography

Parents asked to be vigilant

“The OPP encourages parents and caregivers to speak to children about online safety and to monitor their online activity,” said police.

“Child predators use online chat rooms and social media applications to gain access to children, as these platforms are used by millions of children every day.”

Resources for parents and guardians can be found online at cybertip.ca or protectchildren.ca.

“If you believe a child is in danger, always call 911,” OPP said.

However, anyone with information regarding child exploitation can make a report through cybertip.ca or with Crime Stoppers anonymously – individuals can also contact their local police or the OPP on its 24-hour non-emergency line at 1-888-310-1122.