TBPS alleges a 19-year-old coerced youth to share sexual images online. Here’s what each charge means and the possible penalties upon conviction

By NetNewsLedger Staff
Category: Local News
Published: November 13, 2025

UPDATE – TBPS corrected their initial media release: The accused was not released he was remanded in custody.

Thunder Bay — A Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) cybercrime investigation has resulted in the arrest of a local man on multiple internet-related offences involving youth.

Earlier this year, the TBPS Cyber Crime Unit began investigating after receiving information that a local internet user was extorting a non-local victim for intimate images. In June, officers executed a search in connection with the case. Police say the investigation found that female victims between the ages of 10 and 16 were coerced online to communicate and exchange sexually explicit material.

On Thursday, November 13, Kayden SOUTHERLAND, 19, of Thunder Bay, turned himself in. He appeared in court this morning and was remanded in custody with a future court date.

Charges Laid

• Accessing Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material (Criminal Code s.163.1(4.1))

• Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material (s.163.1(3))

• Possession of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material (s.163.1(4))

• Extortion — two counts (s.346(1))

• Luring a Child — three counts (s.172.1)

• Making Sexually Explicit Material Available to a Child (s.171.1)

File: TB25010905. The Major Crimes and Cyber Crime units remain engaged.

Important: None of the allegations have been proven in court. The accused is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

What the Charges Mean — and the Maximum Penalties if Convicted

Accessing child sexual abuse/exploitation material — s.163.1(4.1)
Knowingly causing such material to be viewed or transmitted to yourself.
Maximum: up to 10 years (indictable). The statute also sets mandatory minimums depending on how the Crown proceeds.

Distribution (transmitting/making available) — s.163.1(3)
Sending, sharing, or making available child sexual abuse/exploitation material.
Maximum: up to 14 years (indictable). The section includes mandatory minimums.

Possession — s.163.1(4)
Having child sexual abuse/exploitation material.
Maximum: up to 10 years (indictable) or up to 2 years less a day on summary; statute includes mandatory minimums.

Luring a child — s.172.1
Using telecommunications (texts, apps, social media, etc.) to communicate with a person believed to be under 18 for a sexual offence.
Maximum: up to 14 years (indictable); the Code sets minimum punishments by election.

Making sexually explicit material available to a child — s.171.1
Sending or making available sexually explicit material to a person believed to be under 18 to facilitate a sexual offence.
Maximum: up to 14 years (indictable); statute includes minimum punishments by election.

Extortion — s.346(1)
Using threats, accusations, menaces, or violence to make someone do something (including sending images).
Maximum: up to life imprisonment (straight indictable).

Sentences in any individual case depend on the facts, prior record, aggravating/mitigating factors, and any Charter issues. Courts also issue prohibition orders, SOIRA registration, and internet/device conditions in appropriate cases.

How to Help Police

If you have information that could help investigators, contact Det. Cst. Joel Manherz at (807) 684-1200 ext. 4115.
Anonymous tips: Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-8477 or p3tips.com.

Safety Resources for Families

• Cybertip.ca — Canada’s national tipline to report online child exploitation; also offers parent guides and safety tips.

• TBPS Internet Safety — Parents and caregivers are encouraged to stay vigilant with devices and apps.

• Talking for Change (CAMH) — talkingforchange.ca offers confidential help for people concerned about their risk to view child sexual exploitation material or offend, aiming to prevent harm.

This project received support through a grant from the Ministry of the Solicitor General.