Three area men face charges following a massive investigation into online child exploitation.
Police say John Strapco of Barrie has been charged with possession of child pornography (2).
Also charged is Ronald Scott Woodland, of Innisfil, has been charged with make available child pornography.
An unnamed Barrie male also has been charged with making sexually explicit material available to child and luring a person under 18.
The news release from the South Simcoe Police follows:
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INNISFIL - A 44-year-old Innisfil man is one of 80 people who has been arrested over the past two days in connection with a massive investigation
focusing on online child exploitation.
Working in collaboration with our partners from the Provincial Strategy to Protect Children's from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on the Internet, South Simcoe Police arrested the man on Tuesday morning at his Innisfil home.
A total of 174 search warrants were executed across the Province, resulting in 274 charges against 80 persons, including one youth who cannot be identified under terms of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Charges include Sexual Assault, Possession of Child Pornography, Make Available Child Pornography, Distribution of Child Pornography, Making Child Pornography, and Accessing Child Pornography.
In addition, 20 victims were identified during the investigations and referred to appropriate community-based resources for assistance. Drug and weapons-related charges were also laid.
Recognizing similarities with human trafficking investigations during this project, police were also able to ensure the safety of nine people who had been working in the sex trade as a minor or against their will, including 14, 15, and 16-year-olds.
From its inception in August 2006 to March 2016 – not including this week’s activities – the Provincial Strategy has completed 32,808 investigations and laid 11,408 charges against 3,310 people. During that period, 870 child victims have been identified in Ontario.
Another 173 child victims were identified internationally. South Simcoe Police continue to work in collaboration with the Provincial Strategy throughout the year on
investigations relating to child pornography.
The investigation continues and additional arrests are pending.
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