NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged a Stratford resident following an online child luring investigation.
On December 4, 2024, following a prolonged online investigation by members of the OPP Child Sexual Exploitation Unit (CSEU), with the assistance of OPP Digital Forensics and Perth County OPP, a search warrant was executed in Stratford, which led to an arrest.
As a result of the investigation, Robert Duncan Wood, 53 years old of Stratford, was charged with the following Criminal Code offences:
- Luring a child to facilitate invitation to sexual touching, contrary to section 172.1(1)(b)
- Luring a child to facilitate sexual interference, contrary to section 172.1(1)(b)
- Luring a child to facilitate sexual assault, contrary to section 172.1(1)(b)
- Luring a child to facilitate child pornography, contrary to section 172.1(1)(a)
The accused was released from custody following a bail hearing and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Stratford on January 13, 2024.
"Protecting children from sexual exploitation is paramount. It's critical that members of law enforcement and the communities they serve work together to educate our children about safe internet practices, while actively working to identify individuals who seek to cause harm. Through collective efforts, we can foster an online environment where children are safe to explore, learn, and grow." - Detective Staff Sergeant Chris Barkey, OPP CSEU.
Children are among the most cherished and vulnerable members of our society. Many child sexual abuse victims are so young that they cannot tell their story. Each time an image or video of their abuse is shared, it causes further harm and re-victimization to the child.
The OPP will continue to aggressively identify and pursue individuals who use technology to exploit children. Parents are reminded to take a proactive approach to help protect their children from online sexual exploitation by speaking with their children regarding internet safety. Parents can find resources to assist them at cybertip.ca or protectchildren.ca.
If you have information regarding online child exploitation and wish to provide information anonymously, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca. Information can also be reported through cybertip.ca.
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