Additional Arrest Made in Thunder Bay Cyber Crime Investigation
THUNDER BAY – CRIME NEWS – Police have made another arrest in connection with an ongoing cyber crime investigation involving the non-consensual sharing of intimate content.
In February 2025, authorities charged 12 individuals with 172 offences following an extensive probe that began in 2023. The investigation was launched after police received reports that intimate images of multiple women in Thunder Bay were being circulated through online chat groups without their consent.
As the investigation continued, an additional suspect was identified. With the assistance of the Ontario Provincial Police, officers arrested a suspect on Thursday, March 6, in Midland, Ontario.
Accused Charged in Thunder Bay Court
Jordan MAURICE, 31, has been charged with Distribution of Intimate Images without Consent. The accused appeared in a Thunder Bay court via video and remains under investigation.
Police Seeking Additional Information
Investigators are urging anyone with information related to the case to come forward. Detective Constable Joel Manherz can be reached at (807) 684-1200 ext. 4115. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com.
The charge of Distribution of Intimate Images Without Consent falls under Section 162.1 of the Criminal Code of Canada. This law was introduced in 2015 to address the growing issue of cyber-related privacy violations, particularly the non-consensual sharing of intimate images (often referred to as “revenge porn”).
What Does the Law Say?
According to Section 162.1(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada, it is a crime to:
“Publish, distribute, transmit, sell, make available or advertise an intimate image of a person knowing that the person depicted did not give their consent to that conduct.”
What Qualifies as an Intimate Image?
An intimate image is defined as a photo or video where:
✅ The person depicted is nude, partially nude, or engaged in a sexual activity.
✅ The image was taken in circumstances where privacy was expected.
✅ The image was shared without the individual’s consent.
Penalties for Conviction
If found guilty, the accused can face:
- Indictable offence: Up to 5 years in prison.
- Summary offence: Up to 2 years less a day in jail and/or a fine.
The court may also issue a prohibition order, preventing the accused from using the internet or electronic devices. Additionally, they may be required to remove or destroy the shared images.
Impact of the Charge
Being convicted of Distribution of Intimate Images Without Consent can lead to:
🚨 A criminal record, affecting future employment and travel.
🚨 Possible civil lawsuits from the victim.
🚨 Court-mandated counseling or restrictions on technology use.
This law is part of Canada’s efforts to protect victims of cyber harassment and digital abuse, ensuring that offenders face serious consequences for violating an individual’s privacy.
How to Protect Yourself from the Non-Consensual Distribution of Intimate Images
The non-consensual sharing of intimate images is a serious violation of privacy, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself and reduce the risk of your images being shared without your consent.
1. Limit Who Has Access to Your Private Images
✅ Avoid Sending Intimate Images: The safest way to prevent unauthorized sharing is to not create or send such images in the first place.
✅ Use Encrypted Messaging Apps: If you do share private images, use apps like Signal or Telegram that have disappearing message options.
✅ Be Cautious with Cloud Storage: Turn off automatic cloud backups on your device to prevent images from being stored online.
2. Strengthen Your Digital Security
🔒 Use Strong Passwords: Ensure your phone, cloud accounts, and social media have unique, strong passwords. Consider a password manager.
🔒 Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of security to your email, social media, and messaging apps.
🔒 Monitor Your Devices: Be cautious of spyware or hacked devices that could allow someone to access your files remotely.
3. Be Aware of Who You Trust
👁 Think Before Sharing: Even with a trusted partner, there’s always a risk. Relationships can change, but images last forever.
👁 Watch for Red Flags: If someone pressures you into sharing intimate images, this is a warning sign of manipulation or abuse.
👁 Review Privacy Settings: Regularly check your social media privacy settings to control who can see your content.
4. Take Action If Your Images Are Shared Without Consent
🚨 Report It Immediately: Contact local police or Cybertip.ca to report the unauthorized sharing of your images.
🚨 Request Removal: Many platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, etc.) allow you to report and request the removal of non-consensual intimate images.
🚨 Seek Legal Help: In Canada, distributing intimate images without consent is a crime (Criminal Code, Section 162.1). A lawyer can help you take legal action against the offender.
5. Educate Yourself & Others
📢 Talk About Digital Consent: Educate friends, family, and young people about the importance of privacy and consent online.
📢 Stay Informed: Laws and online safety tools evolve. Follow cybersecurity experts and legal resources to stay updated.
