In February 2022, members of the Niagara Regional Police Service Internet Child Exploitation (I.C.E.) Unit with assistance of the Technological Crimes Unit, in cooperation with members from the Peel Regional Police Service Special Victims Unit, commenced an investigation into the online sexual exploitation of a child.
As a result of the investigation, on Wednesday March 23rd, 2022, Travis Nathan TWAIN (29 years) of Welland, Ontario was arrested and charged with the following:
– Agreement or Arrangement to commit a Sexual Offence Against a Child – contrary to section 172.2(1)(a) of the Criminal Code of Canada.
– Make Child Pornography – contrary to section 163.1(2) of the Criminal Code of Canada.
– Make Child Pornography Available – contrary to section 163.1(3) of the Criminal Code of Canada.
– Possession of a Controlled Substance – contrary to section 4(1) of the Controlled Drug and Substances Act.
TWAIN has been held in custody pending a bail hearing which will take place on Thursday March 24th, 2022, by way of video link to the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse, located at 59 Church Street, in the City of St. Catharines, Ontario.
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 numerous Ontario Police Services. This investigative initiative has been made possible by a grant from the Ministry of the Solicitor General.
Members of the public can report suspicious Internet activities relating to child exploitation to the Niagara Regional Police Service, or online at www.cybertip.ca. Internet safety tips for parents, children and Internet users are also available on the Cybertip website.
Members of the public are also encouraged to report crimes anonymously through Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
Incident #22-19205