Thunder Bay Police Service Cyber Crime Unit seizes devices, lays charges following investigation
THUNDER BAY – CRIME NEWS UPDATE — A 70-year-old resident of Shuniah Township has been charged following a Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) investigation into child sexual abuse and exploitation material.
The investigation, led by TBPS’s Cyber Crime Unit, began in May 2025 after police received intelligence suggesting that child sexual abuse material was being accessed and possessed.
Search Warrant Executed on Lakeshore Drive
On Thursday, September 4, 2025, officers executed a search warrant at a residence on Lakeshore Drive in Shuniah. During the operation, multiple electronic devices were seized for forensic analysis.
As a result of the investigation:
-
Ronald ANDERSON, 70, of Shuniah Township, was arrested on October 28, 2025.
-
He is charged with:
-
Possession of Child Pornography
-
Accessing Child Pornography
-
The accused has appeared in court and has been remanded into custody, with a future appearance date pending.
Ongoing Investigation & Public Assistance
Police are continuing their investigation and are asking the public for any information that may assist.
Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact Detective Constable Joel Manherz at
📞 (807) 684-1200 ext. 4115.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted via Crime Stoppers:
📞 1-800-222-8477
🌐 www.p3tips.com
Online Safety Resources for Parents & Caregivers
The Thunder Bay Police Service emphasizes the vital role of parents and caregivers in monitoring children’s online activity. Key safety recommendations include:
-
Keep open conversations about internet use.
-
Monitor online interactions and privacy settings.
-
Use parental controls and filtering software.
-
Be alert for signs of online grooming or inappropriate content.
Suspected online child exploitation can be reported to Canada’s national tipline at cybertip.ca.
Help for Those at Risk
There are support services available for individuals who are concerned about their risk of offending. The Talking for Change initiative by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health is the first national program in Canada offering help to those struggling with problematic sexual thoughts or behaviours toward children.
For more information, visit 👉 https://talkingforchange.ca
About This Project
This investigation and associated public outreach have been made possible through funding from the Ministry of the Solicitor General, supporting law enforcement efforts to combat online child sexual exploitation in Ontario.
