Police have charged a Brampton man with child luring and other offences following a multi-jurisdictional investigation on social media.
The Halton Regional Police Service says the inquiry began in January, with members of the Internet Child Exploitation Unit utilizing a number of social media platforms.
The probe led to the arrest of a 61-year-old man from Brampton on Thursday, and Halton police say the suspect was also the part of a similar investigation by Hamilton Police Service.
Police say Joseph Hunter, 61, of Brampton, has been charged with multiple offences, including two counts of luring a child under 16 years of age, making sexually explicit material available to a child, and making child sexual abuse and exploitation material.
The accused was held in custody pending a bail hearing in Milton, police say.
Police are concerned there may be additional victims, and say the accused used the user name “joel20261443” online.
“Halton Regional Police Service reminds parents of the importance of monitoring your child’s online social media presence, and having a conversation with them about internet safety and the disclosure of personal information,” police said in a release.
Anyone with information about this incident can contact the Halton Regional Police Internet Child Exploitation Unit by calling 905-825-4747 ext. 8974. Anonymous tips may also be provided to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477 or visiting www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
When you contact Crime Stoppers you stay anonymous, never have to testify, and could receive a $2,000 reward.
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