Hamilton,
18
June
2020
|
05:01
America/New_York

Project Frost Byte v3.0 Nets Numerous Arrests for Internet Child Exploitation Offences in Hamilton

The Hamilton Police Service’s Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit has concluded a four-week project which took place in April that focused on individuals who utilized various social media platforms to share and possess child sexual abuse images and videos.

With a large number of people being isolated at home currently, they are spending more time online. The individuals who would be accessing and sharing child sexual abuse material now have more of an opportunity than ever. During these unprecedented times, it is essential that the police continue to aggressively pursue these individuals online who are using technology to exploit our children and share child sexual abuse and exploitation material.

Between April 6th and the 31st members of the ICE Unit, Technological Crime Unit, and uniform patrol executed 8 search warrants along with 22 other judicial orders at various locations within the City of Hamilton. The execution of these orders has resulted in charges being laid against five people ranging from 18 to 41 years-of-age. The charges include possession of child pornography, accessing child pornography, make available child pornography, distribution of child pornography, and criminal harassment.

Police seized a total of 62 computer and electronic devices containing over 8000 images and videos of child sexual abuse and exploitation material.

The accused(s) are not believed to be known to one another and each of the cases are separate investigations.

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

CHARGED

  • Steven DICKISON, male from Hamilton 41-years–of-age

CHARGES

  • Accessing Child Pornography
  • Make Available Child Pornography
  • Possession of Child Pornography

CHARGED

  • Male from Hamilton, 28-years-of–age (Publication ban)

CHARGES

  • Criminal Harassment x5
  • Possession of Child Pornography x2
  • Make Available Child Pornography

CHARGED

  • Brody GREER, male from Hamilton 25-years-of-age

CHARGES

  • Possession of Child Pornography x2
  • Distribution of Child Pornography x2

CHARGED

  • Bradley HINTZSCHE, male from Hamilton 18-years-of-age

CHARGES

  • Distribution of Child Pornography

CHARGED

  • Male from Hamilton, 34-years-of-age (Publication ban)

CHARGES

  • Possession of Child Pornography x2
  • Distribution of Child Pornography

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 and to monitor their online activity. 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 these individuals 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.