Police say device was installed in a home during renovation work; Cyber Crime Unit involved

THUNDER BAY — A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation into a report of possible voyeurism in the city’s south end has resulted in criminal charges.

Police say officers with the Primary Response Unit were called on February 9, 2026, and the investigation determined a hidden camera had allegedly been installed inside a home while a suspect was providing renovation work.

A suspect was later located and arrested.

Police have charged James JAATINEN, 44, of Thunder Bay with Voyeurism and Mischief.

He was released from custody with a future court date. The Cyber Crime Unit is involved in the ongoing investigation.

All allegations have not been proven in court. The accused is presumed innocent.

The Criminal Code charges explained

Voyeurism

Canada’s voyeurism law targets secretly observing or making a visual recording of someone in circumstances where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy—including through electronic devices such as hidden cameras.

The charge laid in this case is a hybrid offence, meaning the Crown can choose to proceed by indictment or by summary conviction.

Mischief

Mischief under the Criminal Code is broader than property damage. It can include obstructing, interrupting, or interfering with a person’s lawful use, enjoyment, or operation of property—the wording police referenced in this case.

Potential penalties if convicted

Sentencing depends on the facts proven in court, the Crown’s election, any prior record, and aggravating/mitigating factors. Maximum penalties also differ depending on how an offence is prosecuted.

Voyeurism (Criminal Code s. 162)

• If prosecuted by indictment: up to 5 years in prison.

• If prosecuted by summary conviction: the general summary maximum can apply (up to $5,000 fine and/or up to two years less a day).

Possible additional court order: Voyeurism is listed as a “designated offence” for sex-offender registration considerations. If convicted, the court may issue an order requiring compliance with the Sex Offender Information Registration Act (SOIRA), with the duration set by law (commonly 10 years for offences with a five-year maximum, subject to exceptions in the legislation).

Mischief (Criminal Code s. 430)

Mischief penalties depend in part on the type/value of the property involved and how the Crown proceeds:

• Mischief relating to property valued over $5,000: indictable maximum up to 10 years.

• Mischief relating to property not captured by the over-$5,000 category: indictable maximum up to 2 years.

• If prosecuted by summary conviction: the general summary maximum can apply (up to $5,000 fine and/or up to two years less a day).

Courts may also consider probation, no-contact / non-attendance conditions, and other protective orders, depending on the circumstances and what is proven.

Police ask for information

Anyone with information that could assist investigators is asked to contact Detective Constable Joel Manherz at (807) 684-1200, ext. 4115. Anonymous tips can be provided through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.