Twelve people have been charged following a cyber-crime investigation by Thunder Bay Police into the non-consensual sharing of intimate content.
In a news release issued Wednesday, Thunder Bay cops said the dozen people arrested face a whopping 172 charges.
The probe, which began in 2023, was launched after authorities learned that intimate images of multiple women in Thunder Bay were being shared “through groups and in an online chat platform.” The investigation identified 117 victims, including individuals in Canada and at least three other countries.
Police said investigators executed 26 production orders, 18 search warrants and 15 general warrants. Nearly 600 exhibits were seized as part of the investigation.
The 12 men turned themselves in to authorities on Wednesday. They range in age from 28 to 38 and have all been charged with distribution of intimate images without consent, while eight face charges of possession and/or distribution of child pornography.
Charged are Joshua Wanakamik, 34, Darryl Renaud, 38, Aaron Stolz, 37, Jonathon Prieston, 32, Lindsey Hunt, 38, Tyler Blouin, 28, Ryan Madore, 38, James Edgson, 36, Sheldon Price, 30, Bradley Comuzzi, 37, Ian Warren, 37, and Jordi Leblanc, 31.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 1-807-684-1200, Ext. 4115, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or at p3tips.com.