In November 2022, members of the Niagara Regional Police Service Internet Child Exploitation (I.C.E.) commenced an investigation into the sexual exploitation of children.
As a result of the investigation, on November 17, 2022, 42-year-old Michael Joseph Brandauer of Niagara Falls, Ontario was arrested and charged with the following:
Luring a Child via Telecommunication Sec. 172.1(1)(a) CC Possession of Child Pornography Sec 163.1(4) CC
Brandauer has been held in custody pending a bail hearing which will take place on November 18, 2022, at the Robert S. K. Welch Courthouse in St. Catharines.
Members of the public are also encouraged to report crimes anonymously through Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
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.
2022-129977