Man charged with child pornography in St. Catharines, Ontario

A St. Catharines man is charged with possession of child pornography after police seized equipment from a home in the city.

According to Niagara Regional Police, officers launched an investigation into the alleged sexual exploitation of children in September.

On Tuesday, police obtained a search warrant and searched a home in St. Catharines, police said.

According to police, officers seized numerous devices that can store electronic data.

Harry Michael Ward, 22, of St. Catharines, is charged with multiple charges, including two counts of possession of child pornography, two counts of obtaining access to child pornography and two counts of distribution of child pornography, police said.

Ward was held in custody following his arrest and is now scheduled to appear for a bail hearing in St. Catharines.

Online platforms that allow like-minded users to contact minors, create, share and store child abuse material are widespread on the internet, police said. Perpetrators who attempt to lure children behind anonymous accounts on various platforms can be identified and will be held accountable for their actions.

Click here to learn more about how parents and caregivers can help keep their children safe online.

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