NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE
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In January 2024, Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) Detectives assigned to the Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit began an undercover investigation into the luring of minors using the internet. Over the course of the investigation the suspect is alleged to have communicated for a sexual purpose unknowingly with the undercover police officer believing it to be a young person under the age of 16.
On Dec. 31 detectives from the NRPS Internet Child Exploitation Unit identified and arrested William James Greenall, 52, of Fort Erie for the following Criminal Code offences:
- Exposure to a person under 16 years of age
- Luring a child via telecommunication to facilitate sexual interference
Greenall was held in custody after his arrest and is set to appear for a bail hearing on Jan. 1, 2025, at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse, located at 59 Church Street, in the City of St. Catharines.
Detectives believe that Greenall went by the usernames “Niagara420”, “Niagara guy” and “James” on online platforms to commit offences against other children.
Online platforms that allow like-minded users to engage with minors, create, share, and store Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) are prevalent on the Internet. Offenders who attempt to lure children behind anonymous accounts on different platforms can be identified and will be held accountable for their actions.
For more information on how parents and guardians can keep children safe online CLICK HERE.
The Niagara Regional Police Service is a member of the Provincial Strategy to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on the Internet and conducts investigations into Internet Child Exploitation Offences in partnership with Ontario Police Services and International Partners. This investigative initiative has been made possible by a grant from the Ministry of the Solicitor General.
Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477.
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