OPP officials allege: Two Chatham men are among 63 individuals charged across Ontario as part of a major provincial operation targeting online child sexual exploitation, one that also saw 51 victims identified and safeguarded.
The men, a 45-year-old and a 35-year-old, both of Chatham, are named in an addendum of charged persons released as part of Project Time, a coordinated effort under Ontario’s Provincial Strategy to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on the Internet.
The 45-year-old faces charges of possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material, accessing child sexual abuse and exploitation material, and bestiality. He is being held in custody, with a next court date of July 28, 2026.
The 35-year-old faces charges of possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material and accessing child sexual abuse and exploitation material. He is also being held in custody, with a next court date to be determined.
The Chatham-Kent Police Service is one of 26 member agencies of the Provincial Internet Child Exploitation Strategy, a joint initiative with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and 25 other police services across the province.
Announcing the results of Project Time, investigators said the operation targeted individuals making, possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material, while also working to identify and safeguard victims. Provincewide, the operation resulted in 51 victims identified, 63 individuals arrested, 213 charges laid, 814 electronic devices seized, and 264 criminal investigations conducted, with 154 investigations still ongoing. Police say two of the accused held a position of trust and authority in their communities, and eight were repeat offenders.
“Project Time is a testament to the dedication and commitment of law enforcement professionals across Ontario and Canada to protect children from exploitation,” said OPP Detective Staff Sergeant Tara Clark, Provincial Internet Child Exploitation Strategy Lead. “The results of this operation demonstrate the power of collaboration, the strength of the Provincial Internet Child Exploitation Strategy and the relentless pursuit of those who prey on the most vulnerable.”
Police noted that some individuals charged as part of the operation cannot be identified due to a court-issued publication ban.
The Provincial Internet Child Exploitation Strategy said police partners have seen a significant rise in reports of online child sexual exploitation and child sexual abuse material in recent years. Anyone with information related to child sexual exploitation is asked to contact their local police or report it to cybertip.ca. Information on keeping children safe online is available through the Canadian Centre for Child Protection at protectchildren.ca.
