Chatham-Kent Police Service officials allege: A 44-year-old Chatham man has been arrested and charged following an online child luring investigation led by the Chatham-Kent Police Service Internet Child Exploitation Unit.
Police say the investigation began March 15, 2026, into an individual believed to be luring a child under the age of 16 for a sexual purpose through various social media platforms.
On March 20, 2026, officers located the accused in Chatham and arrested him without incident. He was held in custody pending a bail hearing.
The victim has been identified, and police say they are working closely with the victim and their family to ensure access to appropriate supports.
The investigation remains ongoing and no additional details will be released at this time.
The Chatham-Kent Police Service said it is part of the Provincial Strategy to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on the Internet, working in partnership with police services across Ontario and international law enforcement agencies. The unit’s investigations are supported through funding from the Ministry of the Solicitor General.
