NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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Members of the Ontario Provincial Police Child Sexual Exploitation Unit, Digital Forensic Unit and the Dufferin County OPP Detachment have arrested and charged a Shelburne man following a five-month investigation into Child Pornography offences.
On Sept. 5, 2019, police executed a search warrant at a residence in the Town of Shelburne during which multiple electronic devices were seized for further examination.
Subsequent to a forensic review of the seized devices, Simon Williams, 51-years-old was arrested on Oct. 23, 2019 and charged with two counts of Possession of Child Pornography.
The accused was held in custody pending a bail hearing in the town of Orangeville.
The Ontario Provincial Police will continue to aggressively identify and pursue individuals who use technology to exploit children.
"Our reality today is that every person around the world with a sexual interest in children has immediate access to any child on the internet. It's like they are sitting next to our kids even though they could be across the globe. We as parents and community members have to know who children are interacting with online. These offenders are very manipulative. If parents are not engaged - they will never see them coming until it's too late" Detective Staff Sergeant Sharon Hanlon of the OPP Child Sexual Exploitation Unit.
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 www.cybertip.ca.
If you have information regarding internet child exploitation and wish to provide information anonymously you can contact Crime Stoppers at www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca. Reporting information may also be made on the internet through www.cybertip.ca.
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