Detectives from the 1 District (St. Catharines/Thorold) office of the Niagara Regional Police Service have been investigating multiple incidents involving defamatory posters taped to hydro poles and other public locations throughout Thorold, St. Catharines, and Niagara Falls. These posters featured an image and personal contact information of the victim, alongside unfounded and defamatory allegations.
As a result of the ongoing investigation, a suspect was identified. On May 9, 2025, detectives executed a search warrant at a home in St. Catharines.
Joseph Michael Roy, 29, of St. Catharines, was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code offences:
Publish libel known to be false (six counts) Disobey lawful order of court Careless storage of a firearm (two counts) Unlicensed person possess prohibited weapon Unlicensed person possess prohibited device
Roy was subsequently released from custody on a Form 10 Undertaking, with a future court date scheduled for June 20, 2025, at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse in St. Catharines.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the investigating officers by calling 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1009610.
Related Media Release
Original release – April 15, 2025 – CLICK HERE
What is Defamatory Libel?
Defamatory libel refers to any published material — including posters — that, without lawful justification or excuse, is likely to harm a person’s reputation by exposing them to hatred, contempt or ridicule, or is intended to insult.
Such acts are not protected under freedom of expression laws. Posting defamatory material on public property such as poles, fences, buildings or noticeboards may result in criminal charges.
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