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
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.