In an online child exploitation investigation known as Project Limestone, ten men have been apprehended, facing an accumulation of 39 charges. Four of these men hail from the northern reaches of Ontario, and among the arrested persons is a repeat offender who was out on bail at the time of apprehension.
The operation revealed the alarmingly swift nature of these illicit activities. A mere hour and a half elapsed before an adult started engaging with an undercover officer posing as a minor online, with intent to meet at an agreed location. Other individuals were arrested as they turned up at a predetermined meet-up point, armed with items such as candy, toys and sexual paraphernalia. The entire sinister operation unfolded over a four-day period.
Project Limestone was a joint effort between local police departments in Greater Sudbury, North Bay, Sault ste. Marie, Durham, York, and Peel, and the regional enforcement body, the Ontario Provincial Police. The operation that spanned between September 12 and 15 saw law enforcement officers infiltrating online chat rooms and social media apps geared towards children, in order to identify individuals intent on exploiting them.
In a further disconcerting twist, two suspects believed they were communicating online with mothers of young children and arranged to meet the undercover officers. A total of six individuals were arrested upon arriving to meet with investigators posing as minors online.
From the ten suspects, a total of 55 devices brimming with evidence were seized. “It’s certainly distressing how many people are actively looking for opportunities to meet children in person for sexual purposes,” stated OPP Det. Staff Sgt. Tim Brown in an interview.
Here are the details pertaining to the suspects:
The 49-year-old male from North Bay stands accused on charges that include luring a person under 16, transmitting sexually explicit material to a minor, distributing child pornography, and two counts of possessing child pornography. Presently released on bail with conditions, he will appear in court on November 21.
A 30-year-old male from Sudbury is charged with arranging to commit sexual offences against a child, and making child pornography. He was also released on bail and awaits a pending court date.
The list includes another individual from Sudbury, aged 37, currently charged with making child pornography, arranging to commit sexual offences against a child, counselling to commit a sexual offence, and interference against a child. He too was released on bail, pending a court appearance.
Further suspects include men from Sault Ste. Marie, Fergus, Vaughan, Whitby, and Markham, along with a 43-year-old from Massachusetts, U.S., still under investigation pending a forensic examination.
Inspector Scott McFarlane of the North Bay Police Service expressed concern about the growing technology and social media trends that might augment opportunities for predatorial activities on children. He added that the North Bay Police Service has been an active participant in the provincial joint forces team for some time.
