The Hamilton Police Service Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit has concluded a two-week project that focused on individuals who used various social media platforms to share and possess child sexual abuse images and videos.

Between May 6 and 16, 2019, members of the ICE Unit, Technological Crime Unit, and uniform patrol executed four search warrants at various locations within Hamilton. The execution of these orders has resulted in seventeen charges being laid against four people ranging in ages from 19 to 47. The charges include possession of child pornography, make available child pornography and distribution of child pornography.

Police seized a total of 27 computers and electronic devices. Further charges may be laid after the forensic examination of these seized devices.

The accused(s) are not believed to be known to one another.

The following individuals have been arrested in relation to internet child exploitation offences:

Charged Individual #1:

• Andrew Aguiar (19-year-old male) of Hamilton
• Possession of Child Pornography x2
• Make Available Child Pornography

Charged Individual #2:

• Adrian Huerta Perez (38-year-old male) of Hamilton
• Possession of Child Pornography x3

Charged Individual #3:

• Melanie Masters (23-year-old female) of Hamilton
• Possession of Child Pornography x5
• Distribution of Child Pornography x5

The Hamilton Police Service will continue to aggressively pursue individuals who use technology to exploit children. Parents are reminded to take a proactive approach to help protect their children from online sexual exploitation by speaking with their children regarding internet safety. Parents can find resources to assist them at www.cybertips.ca.

The Hamilton Police Service is a member of the Ontario Provincial Strategy to Combat Internet Child Exploitation. This project has been made possible by a grant from the Ministry of the Solicitor General.

If you have information in regards to this individual or incident you can provide information anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or by submitting your anonymous tips online at www.crimestoppershamilton.com.

*Please note the original release has been vetted as of May 28, 2020.