Niagara police re-arrest former minor hockey coach for child pornography

Niagara police have re-arrested a 49-year-old Welland man and former minor hockey coach on additional charges of child pornography.

Officers say they began an investigation in September into an unknown person in the Niagara region who was allegedly accessing child pornography.

Following a search warrant on Oct. 15 at a Welland home, Patrick “Pat” F. Paone was arrested for possessing and accessing child pornography.

Ongoing investigation found evidence to support further charges against Paone who is now facing additional offences of possessing and accessing child pornography, making child pornography available and making written child pornography.

The accused was released from bail court following his initial arrest and was held in custody after his re-arrest. He is scheduled to appear at a video bail hearing in St. Catharines today.

Paone was actively involved in coaching minor hockey in the Niagara region and a member of the Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame.

Anyone with information or leads is asked to contact officers at 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1009172.

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