Chatham-Kent Police Service officials allege: A 38-year-old Chatham-Kent man is facing charges after allegedly attempting to meet with a child, following a province-wide investigation into online child sexual exploitation.
The arrest was part of Project Support, a joint initiative involving the Chatham-Kent Police Service’s Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit and police services across Ontario. The project ran from March 31 to April 11, 2025, under the Provincial Strategy to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on the Internet.
Across the province, 36 individuals were arrested and a total of 128 charges were laid during the proactive operation, which targeted offenders attempting to exploit children online.
“These results highlight a sobering reality: predators can easily reach children in online spaces,” stated OPP Detective Staff Sergeant Tim Brown.
“We urge parents and guardians to remain vigilant and to talk to your children about staying safe online. Just as you wouldn’t leave your child alone in a city, don’t let them navigate the online world alone.”
Locally, the CKPS ICE unit supported several investigations and arrested the 38-year-old man in connection with an alleged attempt to meet a child in person. His identity, along with others, may be withheld due to publication bans.
Police say the number of reports involving online child sexual abuse and exploitation continues to rise. Authorities are urging parents and guardians to learn more about keeping children safe online through resources available at the Canadian Centre for Child Protection.
The CKPS is a member of the provincial strategy and works in partnership with police services across Ontario and globally. Its ICE investigations are supported by a grant from Ontario’s Ministry of the Solicitor General.
Anyone with information related to child sexual exploitation is encouraged to contact local police or report it to cybertip.ca.
