Five local men among 17 charged in OPP child sexual exploitation probe

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) say 17 people have been charged, including five local men, with a combined 55 criminal offences during a proactive child sexual exploitation initiative.

OPP worked alongside 15 police services in Project Brace including Brantford, Halton, Hamilton and Niagara police services and 424 electronic devices were seized. 

Detectives targeted people making, possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material.

While this investigation did not directly identify any victims, investigators initiated 23 cases that remain active.

A 36-year-old Milton man is facing three charges including possessing and accessing child sexual abuse and exploitation material.

He was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Milton on Dec. 21.

A 39-year-old Milton man is facing four charges including possessing and accessing child sexual abuse and exploitation material as well as making it available.

He was released from custody and was scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Milton last Monday.

READ MORE: Fonthill, Ont. man arrested on internet child exploitation charges

A 33-year-old Brantford man is facing three charges including making child sexual abuse and exploitation material available as well as possessing it.

He is being held in custody and his date to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Brantford is still being determined.

A 47-year-old Fonthill man is facing four charges including possessing and accessing child sexual abuse and exploitation material.

He was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in St. Catharines on Tuesday.

A 43-year-old Niagara Falls man is facing four charges including possessing and accessing child sexual abuse and exploitation material as well as distributing it.

He is being held in custody and his date to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in St. Catharines is still being determined.

Anyone with any information related to child sexual exploitation should contact their local police or report it online. 

READ MORE: Burlington man faces charges in connection with child exploitation investigation