In April 2023, Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) Detectives assigned to the Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit began an investigation into a complaint received about the online sexual exploitation of children.
In June 2023 Detectives executed a search warrant at a private residence in Niagara Falls. Evidence uncovered during this search lead to the arrest of Joseph BOGNAR (75 years) of Niagara Falls BOGNAR is now facing the following charges:
2 Counts of Possessing Child Pornography 1 Count of Accessing Child Pornography
BOGNAR was held in custody after his arrest and is set to appear for a bail hearing on June 28th, 2023, at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse, located at 59 Church Street, in the City of St. Catharines.
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 regarding this investigation is asked to contact the lead detective at 905-688-4111, option 3, extension #1009384.
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 #23-39747