Niagara Falls man arrested in connection with child sexual abuse investigation

Police have arrested a 48-year-old man from Niagara Falls in connection with a sexual abuse and exploitation investigation involving children.

On May 5, officers were alerted to a suspicious person in the area of a public playground. A Niagara Falls man was identified as the suspect and arrested.

Detectives then began an investigation into the possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material.

On June 8, authorities executed a search warrant at a Niagara Falls residence. The next day, Bobby Terry Mathieson was arrested and now faces the following charges:

• Make Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material
• Possession of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material
• Fail to Comply with Prohibition Order

Investigators are appealing to the public since they believe Mathieson may have attended other public areas where children are known to be. They are asking for assistance identifying those dates and times.

Anyone with information relevant to this investigation is asked to contact police at 905-688-4111, ext. 1009128.

Authorities are warning that online platforms that allow users to engage with minors and create, share and store child sexual abuse and exploitation materials are all over the internet.

More information on how parents and guardians can keep their children safe online can be found on the Cybertip website.

Those wishing to provide information anonymously can do so through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or via their website.

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