Thunder Bay man faces seven charges in cybercrime investigation as police seek more possible victims

THUNDER BAY — Thunder Bay Police say a cybercrime investigation that began with a report of an adult allegedly soliciting illicit images from a minor has led to seven Criminal Code charges against a 28-year-old city man.

Police say Matthew Stewart was arrested March 12 after officers had earlier searched a north-side home, seizing electronic devices and a vehicle. He was remanded into custody after his first court appearance. The case is a blunt reminder that online exploitation investigations are happening here at home, on the same social platforms and messaging channels used every day by young people.

Police ask anyone linked to two Snapchat accounts to come forward

Thunder Bay Police said the investigation involved the Cyber Crime Unit and Major Crime Unit. Officers searched a home on Feb. 25, then later arrested the suspect with help from the Break Enter Armed Robbery Unit.

Investigators are now asking anyone who had concerning contact involving the Snapchat accounts Johnnysnowpl4ug or MattStew456 to contact police, as they work to identify any additional potential victims.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Const. Joel Manherz at 807-684-1200 ext. 4115. Anonymous tips can also be made through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Charges listed by Thunder Bay Police

Police say Stewart is charged with one count of luring a person under 18 by means of telecommunication, one count of sexual interference, one count of invitation to sexual touching under 16, one count of sexual assault on a person under 16, and three counts of luring a person under 16 by means of telecommunication. These allegations have not been proven in court, and the accused is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

What the charges mean under the Criminal Code

The luring counts fall under s. 172.1 of the Criminal Code. In general terms, that section makes it an offence to communicate by telecommunication with a person who is, or is believed to be, under 18 or under 16 for the purpose of facilitating specified sexual or related offences. Whether the allegation involves a person under 18 or under 16, the available penalty is the same: up to 14 years in prison on indictment, with a mandatory minimum sentence of one year, or up to two years less a day on summary conviction, with a mandatory minimum of six months.

Sexual interference is set out in s. 151. It covers sexual touching, directly or indirectly, of a person under 16. The maximum penalty is 14 years on indictment, with a mandatory minimum of one year, or up to two years less a day on summary conviction, with a mandatory minimum of 90 days. Invitation to sexual touching under s. 152 carries the same sentencing range: up to 14 years on indictment, with a one-year minimum, or up to two years less a day on summary conviction, with a 90-day minimum.

The police release does not cite the exact Criminal Code section for the sexual assault allegation, but where the complainant is under 16, s. 271 provides for a maximum sentence of 14 years on indictment, with a mandatory minimum of one year, or up to two years less a day on summary conviction, with a mandatory minimum of six months. That charge, like the others, remains an allegation unless proven in court.

In practical terms, that means the charges before the court carry penalties ranging from mandatory jail sentences to lengthy penitentiary terms if there is a conviction. The final sentence in any case depends on the facts proven in court, the number of victims or incidents, the Crown’s election to proceed by indictment or summary conviction where available, the offender’s record and the judge’s findings at sentencing.

Why the case matters locally

For Thunder Bay, the release is significant not only because of the charges, but because police are explicitly trying to identify more potential victims. That suggests investigators are examining whether the alleged conduct extended beyond the initial complaint. The fact police publicly named two Snapchat accounts also points to a case rooted in digital contact, a growing concern for parents, schools and youth workers across the region. That is an inference based on the scope of the police appeal, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Thunder Bay Police also urged parents and caregivers to stay vigilant about children’s online activity. The service said reports of online sexual exploitation can be made through Cybertip.ca, Canada’s national tip line, and noted that support resources are also available for people seeking help before they offend.