CHILD PORN CHARGES AGAINST MUSKOKA LAKES MAN
MACTIER — A Muskoka Lakes Township man faces two child pornography charges following a search of a home here yesterday.
The OPP Child Sexual Exploitation Unit, Digital Forensic Unit and OPP from the Bracebridge detachment say they arrested and charged the 51-year-old following a lengthy investigation
On March 27, 2019, they executed a search warrant at a residence in Mactier.
As a result, Dennis James Gardner was arrested and charged with two counts of Possession of Child Pornography and one count of Making Available Child Pornography.
Two electronic devices were seized for further examination
Gardner’s next court appearance is scheduled for April 9, 2019 at the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge.
The Ontario Provincial Police will continue to aggressively identify and pursue individuals who use technology to exploit children.
“Our reality today is that every person around the world with a sexual interest in children has immediate access to any child has access to the internet,” Staff Sergeant Sharon Hanlon of the OPP Child Sexual Exploitation Unit, in the release Wednesday.
“It’s like they are sitting next to our kids even though they could be across the globe. We as parents and community members have to know who their children are interacting with online. These offenders are very manipulative. If parents are not engaged – they will never see them coming until it’s too late.
She said parents are reminded to take a proactive approach to help protect their children from online sexual exploitation by speaking with their children regarding internet safety. Parents can find resources to assist them at www.cybertips.ca.
If you have information regarding internet child exploitation and wish to provide information anonymously you can contact Crime Stoppers at www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca. Reporting information can also be made on the internet through www.cybertips.ca.
