Photo: HRPS
A Brampton man is facing multiple child exploitation charges following an online investigation by Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS).
The investigation began in January when members of the Internet Child Exploitation Unit initiated an inquiry involving several social media platforms. As a result, 61-year-old Joseph Hunter of Brampton was arrested on Thursday, April 16th and charged with the following offences:
- Luring a Child Under 16 Years of Age (2 Counts)
- Making Sexually Explicit Material Available to a Child
- Possession of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material
- Making Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material
- Invitation to Sexual Touching
Investigators say the accused also used the username “joel20261443” and was the subject of a related investigation with Hamilton Police, which contributed to the charges.
Hunter was held in custody pending a bail hearing in Milton.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Investigators are concerned there may be more victims and are requesting anyone who may have been victimized by the accused, or anyone who my have additional information pertaining to this investigation to contact D/Cst Barger at 905-825-4747 ext. 8974 of the Halton Regional Police Internet Child Exploitation Unit.
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 online.
