Sarnia Police Service officials allege: In early July 2025, a victim reported to the Sarnia Police Service that he was being extorted by an unknown individual.
Police said the adult male victim received phone calls and text messages containing threats of sexual assault, murder and dismemberment. He also received multimedia messages with images of deceased individuals, assault-style firearms and masked individuals holding weapons. Demands were made for payment of several thousand dollars.
Investigators said the suspect appeared convincing, using personal information about the victim gathered from his online activity and weaving it into the threats.
The Sarnia Police Service Technical Crimes Unit began an analysis of the communication methods and found similar cases elsewhere in Ontario. Further investigation determined the extortion was being carried out by a Sarnia resident.
On Aug. 7, police executed a warrant at an Emma Street address for firearms, as well as physical and electronic evidence. Due to the violent nature of the threats, the search was carried out by the Emergency Response Team.
A 22-year-old Sarnia resident was charged with extortion, uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm, and breach of probation. Following a bail hearing, the accused was released by the court with conditions.
The investigation is continuing.
