Beeton resident Thomas Higgins, 61, is facing charges of luring a person under 16 after a joint taskforce operation laid hundreds of charges all across Ontario.
Dubbed ‘Project Maverick,’ 27 policing partners conducted 255 investigations, completed 168 search warrants and seized 1,032 devices.
In total, 428 charges were laid against 107 people.
During the investigations, 61 victims were identified and referred to appropriate community-based resources for assistance, while an additional 60 children were safeguarded.
There are 175 ongoing investigations where additional charges may be laid.
“These numbers are shocking, but they provide hope by showing the lengths our teams are willing to go to protect children.” said OPP Chief Superintendent Kari Dart.
“I would like to express gratitude for the hard work of the Provincial Strategy members, and our partners, in keeping children in this province safe and holding those who want to harm them accountable.” she continued.
The video outlining the investigation is available on Twitter (@OPP_News), Facebook (@ontarioprovincialpolice) and youtu.be/S7SzSSlRmLk.
The investigations continue and anyone with information on these or any child exploitation investigations are asked to contact their local police. Report any instances of online child abuse to police or cybertip.ca. If a child is being harmed, call 9-1-1.
