22-year-old St. Catharines man arrested in child pornography investigation

A 22-year-old St. Catharines man has been arrested following an investigation into child pornography.

The Niagara Regional Police’s Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit launched an investigation this month into the alleged sexual exploitation of children.

Earlier today, officers searched a home in St. Catharines and seized numerous devices capable of storing electronic data.

22-year-old Harry Michael Ward is charged with two counts of possession of child pornography, two counts of accessing child pornography and two counts of distribution of child pornography.

A bail hearing will take place later today. Click here for more information on how to keep children safe online.

“Online platforms that allow like-minded users to interact 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 various platforms can be identified and will be held accountable for their actions.” Niagara Regional Police