Thorold man arrested for child pornography

In September 2022, the Niagara Regional Police Service’s Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit launched an investigation into the sexual exploitation of children.

Detectives from the Niagara Regional Police Service’s Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit and the Technological Crimes Unit began an investigation into the child sexual abuse material that led to a residence in the town of Thorold.

As a result of the investigation, a search warrant was served on a residence in the town of Thorold on October 2, 2024. Evidence obtained from the examination of digital devices seized under the warrant led to the arrest of 60-year-old Rheal Marcel FOISY on October 4, 2024. FOISY was charged with the following crimes:

• Possession of child pornography Sec 163.1(4) (2 counts)
• Access to child pornography Sec 163.1(4.1)
• Making child pornography available Sec 163.1(3)

FOISY is in custody pending a bail hearing to take place on Friday, October 4, 2024 at the Robert SK Welch Courthouse, located at 59 Church Street, St. Catharines, Ontario.

Online platforms that allow like-minded users to connect with minors and create, share, and store child sexual abuse material (CSAM) are widespread on the Internet. Perpetrators who upload, share and collect digital image/video files containing child sexual abuse material can be identified and held accountable for their actions.

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 Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation and conducts investigations into online child exploitation crimes in collaboration with numerous Ontario police forces. This research initiative is made possible by a grant from the Ministry of the Solicitor General.

Citizens can report suspected internet activity related 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.

Incident 22-104595