A Peterborough man was among 40 individuals arrested across Ontario in a major operation aimed at combating online child exploitation. Project Steel, a nationwide initiative led by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), targeted those involved in the production, possession, and distribution of child sexual abuse material.
The project resulted in the identification of 31 victims and the safeguarding of 20 children. A total of 151 charges were laid, with 686 electronic devices seized. Among the arrested individuals, who were from all across Ontario, was a repeat violent offender with a history of sexual offenses.
In Peterborough, a 74-year-old man was arrested and charged with possession of child pornography. He was released from custody and is set to appear in court on April 1.
Also arrested was a 21-year-old man from Lindsay who is facing multiple charges, including possession of child pornography, making sexually explicit material available to a child, and luring a person under the age of 16. He has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court on March 20 in Lindsay.
(Written by: Scott Arnold)
