In March of 2025, members of the Niagara Regional Police Service’s Internet Child Exploitation (I.C.E.) Unit commenced an investigation into the sexual exploitation of children. The investigation into the child sexual abuse material led to a Welland resident.
Members of the Niagara Regional Police Service’s Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit and the Technological Crimes Unit began a joint investigation into the matter. As a result of the investigation, on November 11, 2025, 21-year-old Pearson James ALMAS of Welland, Ontario was arrested and charged with the following:
Possession of Child Pornography – Section 163.1(4) of the Criminal Code of Canada – Two Counts Unlawfully Access Child Pornography – Section 163.1(4.1) – One Count
ALMAS has been held in custody pending a bail hearing which will take place on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse, located at 59 Church Street, St. Catharines, Ontario.
Online platforms that allow like-minded users to engage with minors, create, share, and store Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) are prevalent on the Internet. Offenders who attempt to lure children behind anonymous accounts on different platforms can be identified and will be held accountable for their actions.
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.
Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Niagara Regional Police Service at 905-688-4111, option 3, ext. 1009410.
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 #25-30947