NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE
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In February 2024, Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) Detectives assigned to the Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit began investigation into Child Pornography offences committed over Instagram.
On Jan. 30, 2025, ICE Unit detectives along with the Technological Crimes Unit detectives executed a search warrant at a residence in the City of St Catharines. As a result of the investigation, several digital devices suspected to have been used in the commission of the offences were seized and William Genaro Argueta, 34, of St Catharines was arrested and is now facing the following Criminal Code charges:
- Possession of child pornography X2
- Accessing child pornography
- Making child pornography available
Argueta was held in custody after his arrest and is set to appear for a bail hearing on Jan. 31 at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse located at 59 Church Street, in the City of St Catharines.
Detectives believe that Argueta went online using variations of the username “random b0y” such as, “random.b0y”, “randomxb0y04”.
Online platforms that allow like-minded users to engage with minors, create, share, and store Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) are prevalent on the Internet. Offenders who attempt to lure children behind anonymous accounts on different platforms can be identified and will be held accountable for their actions.
For more information on how parents and guardians can keep children safe online CLICK HERE.
The Niagara Regional Police Service is a member of the Provincial Strategy to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on the Internet and conducts investigations into Internet Child Exploitation Offences in partnership with Ontario Police Services and International Partners. This investigative initiative has been made possible by a grant from the Ministry of the Solicitor General.
Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information that leads to an arrest.
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