NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE SERVICE
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In September of 2022, the Niagara Regional Police Service's Internet Child Exploitation (I.C.E.) Unit commenced an investigation into the sexual exploitation of children.
Detectives of the Niagara Regional Police Service's Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit and the Technological Crimes Unit began an investigation into the child sexual abuse material which led to a residence in the City of Thorold.
As a result of the investigation, on Oct. 2, 2024, a search warrant was executed on a residence in the City of Thorold. Evidence obtained from the examination of digital devices seized within the scope of the warrant, lead to the arrest of 60-year-old, Rheal Marcel Foisy on Oct. 4, 2024. Foisy was charged with the following offences:
- Possession of Child Pornography Sec 163.1(4) (2 Counts)
- Accessing Child Pornography Sec 163.1(4.1)
- Making Child Pornography Available Sec 163.1(3)
Foisy has been held in custody pending a bail hearing which will take place on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse, located at 59 Church Street, St. Catharines, Ont. None of the charges have been proved in court.
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 upload, share and collect digital image/video files of Child Sexual Abuse Material can be identified and will be held accountable for their actions.
Members of the public are also encouraged to report crimes anonymously through Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
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 numerous Ontario Police Services. This investigative initiative has been made possible by a grant from the Ministry of the Solicitor General.
Members of the public can report suspicious Internet activities relating to child exploitation to the Niagara Regional Police Service, or online at www.cybertip.ca. Internet safety tips for parents, children and Internet users are also available on the Cybertip website.
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