In September 2023, Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) detectives assigned to the Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit began a proactive investigation to uncover offenders in the Niagara Region who are using the internet to exploit children.
On October 5th, 2023, detectives executed a search warrant at a private residence in Beamsville. Evidence uncovered during this search was examined by the NRPS Technological Crimes Unit and compared to evidence obtained by detectives from the instant messaging application, KIK Messenger. As a result, detectives identified an “anonymous” account that contained explicit sexual content of children.
On October 5th, 2023, Hunter BEAUPRE-PETERS (25-years) of Beamsville was arrested and charged with the following offences:
Possess Child Pornography Access Child Pornography Make Child Pornography Available
BEAUPRE-PETERS was held in custody after his arrest and is set to appear for a bail hearing on October 5th, 2023, at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse, located at 59 Church Street, in the City of St. Catharines.
Children communicating with strangers online can pose a risk to their safety. Applications that allow users to hide their identity and create anonymous accounts can be particularly dangerous to children. Offenders who hide behind an anonymous account for the purpose of sexually exploiting children can be identified.
For more information on how parents and guardians can keep children safe online CLICK HERE
The Niagara Regional Police Service is a member of the Provincial Strategy to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on the Internet and conducts investigations into Internet Child Exploitation Offences in partnership with Ontario Police Services and International Partners. This investigative initiative has been made possible by a grant from the Ministry of the Solicitor General.
Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information that leads to an arrest.
Incident #23-102747