A 57-year-old Barrie man is facing multiple child exploitation-related charges following a six-month investigation by the Barrie Police Service Internet Child Exploitation Unit.
The investigation began after the unit received two reports from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children regarding the alleged distribution of child sexual abuse material through the social media platforms X and Discord.
Investigators executed a search warrant at a residence in Barrie’s south end in May and seized several electronic devices for forensic examination.
According to police, the analysis led to the identification of images and videos containing child sexual abuse material.
On Thursday, June 4th, members of the Internet Child Exploitation Unit arrested and charged the accused with possession of child sexual abuse material, accessing child sexual abuse material, and distributing child sexual abuse material.
The Barrie Police Service is reminding parents and guardians to speak with children about online safety and to remain aware of the risks associated with social media and online platforms. Information about staying safe online is available here.
