Niagara police charge Welland man after child sexual exploitation items shared online

Niagara police charged a 43-year-old man from Welland Thursday in connection with an investigation into child sexual abuse and exploitation of children.

Officers say they began an investigation earlier this month after two incidents of child sexual abuse and exploitation material was shared over social media on June 1.

Detectives say they were able to identify a Welland man as a suspect, and arrested Michael Eldridge.

Eldridge has been charged with offences including possessing child sexual abuse and exploitation material, accessing child sexual abuse and exploitation material, and for making child sexual abuse and exploitation material.

The Welland man remains in custody pending a bail hearing at a St. Catharines courthouse Thursday.

Anyone with information regarding the investigation is asked to contact police.

Tips can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers of Niagara online, or by calling 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

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