Hundreds of child exploitation charges laid
The results of ‘Project Maverick’ are in — in the month of October, 428 charges were laid against 107 people as it relates to child exploitation.
The results were announced Wednesday by OPP and the 27 policing partners, including the London Police Service.
“During this month-long effort, the London police partnered with the Metropolitan Police in the United Kingdom and the Northern Alberta ICE Unit to identify, arrest, and charge three adults alleged to have committed internet based sexual offences targeting children. The local efforts by the London police ICE Unit, as part of the overall provincial strategy, led to the execution of five search warrants and 30 criminal charges,” said Det. Jeremy Dann, LPS Internet Child Exploitation Unit.
As part of the investigation across the province, 168 search warrants were used and 1,032 devices were seized.
Police said a total of 61 victims were identified and referred to appropriate community-based resources for assistance, while an additional 60 children were safeguarded.
Their ages were up to 16 years old, but as young as infants.
“In the instance of a newborn, obviously it was someone who has access to a newborn has exploited that child, and that really speaks to the predatory nature of these offenders. It also speaks to the exploitation of those offenders. It also speaks to the vulnerability of those children. So that’s what I think as a community we really need to show outrage with respect to that,” said Det. Insp. Jordan Whitesell of the OPP Criminal Investigation Services.
Police told CTV News London there is no profile for a suspected offender, and that they come from all walks of life.
In the case of Project Maverick, most of them are men, and the oldest is 86-years-old.
“These numbers are shocking, but they provide hope by showing the lengths our teams are willing to go to protect children. I would like to express gratitude for the hard work of the Provincial Strategy members and our partners, in keeping children in this province safe and holding those who want to harm them accountable,” said OPP Chief Superintendent Kari Dart.
There are still 175 ongoing investigations where additional charges may be laid.
I’ve been a police officer for 22 years, and I know that I will never find anything more rewarding than being involved in a project like this, to help safeguard the children in our community, and to identify those that would prey on those children, and hold them accountable,” said Dann.
— With files from CTV News London's Bryan Bicknell
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.