A prolonged investigation involving several police services into child sexual exploitation has resulted in charges against a 22-year-old St. Marys man.
Brendan Joseph Rinn is charged with making child pornography, making available child pornography and non-consensual distribution of an intimate image.
The investigation included the OPP’s child sexual exploitation unit, OPP digital forensics, Stratford police and Perth OPP.
A search warrant was executed at a St. Marys residence on Dec. 5, and electronic devices were seized.
The accused was released from custody after a bail hearing and is scheduled to appear at Ontario Court of Justice in Stratford on Jan. 13.
Police also released information Tuesday about a Stratford man being charged in a child sexual exploitation investigation.
Det. Sgt. Chris Barkey, with the OPP’s child sexual exploitation unit, said law enforcement and community members must collaborate to teach children about safe internet usage and diligently identify those who pose a threat.
“By working together, we can create an online space where children can safely explore, learn, and thrive,” Barkey said in a media release.
Police remind everyone of the need to educate themselves to keep children safe and keep predators out of real and virtual communities.
Many child sexual abuse victims are so young that they cannot tell their story. Each time an image or video of their abuse is shared, it causes further harm and re-victimization to the child.
OPP said they will continue to aggressively identify and pursue individuals who use technology to exploit children.
Parents are reminded to take a proactive approach to help protect their children from online sexual exploitation by speaking with their children regarding internet safety. Parents can find resources to assist them at cybertip.ca or protectchildren.ca.
If you have information regarding online child exploitation and wish to provide information anonymously, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
Information can also be reported through cybertip.ca.
