The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has arrested and charged a Burlington man following a joint investigation with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police National Child Exploitation Centre (RCMP, NCECC) and authorities in the Philippines.
This investigation began in April. As a result, on Thursday, August 28th, 78-year-old Douglas Ridpath was arrested and charged with the following:
- Make Child Pornography (6 Counts)
- Accessing Child Pornography
- Possession of Child Pornography
- Agree or Arrange a Sexual Offence against a Child (3 Counts)
- Indecent Act (2 Counts)
- Indecent Exposure to Person Under 16 years
- Sexual Assault (2 Counts)
- Sexual Exploitation (2 Counts)
The accused has been held in custody pending a bail hearing.
Investigators believe there may be additional victims and are asking anyone with information to contact D/Cst. Stephane Verreault of the HRPS Internet and Child Exploitation Unit (ICE) at 905-825-4747 ext. 8986.
The Halton Regional Police Service would like to remind 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. More information on online safety for children can be found here.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
