NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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SPRINGWATER - Members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Child Sexual Exploitation Unit and Huronia West detachment have arrested and charged a Springwater Township resident following an investigation relating to the online exploitation of a child.
On Sept. 11, 2019, police executed a search warrant at a residence in Springwater Township, seizing several computer devices for further examination.
The subsequent forensic examination of the seized devices confirmed the presence of child sexual abuse material. As a result Todd Stephen Kocsis, 26-years-old, of Springwater Township, has been arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code offences:
- Possession of child pornography
- Luring a child under 18 years of age
The accused next court date is Jan. 14, 2020 at the Ontario Court of Justice in Collingwood.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Police are asking anyone who may have information regarding this investigation or if you have information regarding internet child exploitation, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. If wish to remain anonymous you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca. Reporting information may also be made on the internet through www.cybertip.ca.
"The OPP will continue to aggressively identify and pursue individuals who use technology to exploit children. Child exploitation is everyone's business and police cannot do it alone. Everyone needs to know that these offenders operate amongst us and go undetected due to a lack of understanding. Everyone can make a difference by educating themselves about what child sexual exploitation really looks like." - Staff Sergeant Sharon Hanlon, OPP Child Sexual Exploitation Unit.
Anyone interested in making a difference is encouraged to go to www.protectchildren.ca and download the "Child Sexual Abuse-It Is Your Business" brochure from the Canadian Center for Child Protection. This is an important first step that can save a child.
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 and anyone interested in protecting children can find resources to assist them at www.cybertip.ca.
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