Category: Durham Regional Police

A 72-year-old is facing charges following a child luring investigation.

On Tuesday, April 8, 2025, members from the DRPS Internet Child Exploitation Unit (ICE) concluded an investigation concerning an adult male communicating with whom he believed was a 13-year-old girl. The male sent sexually explicit messages and images to the girl, asking her to send him photos.

A Criminal Code search warrant was executed at two residences in Hamilton and the suspect was taken into custody without incident.

The suspect communicated with the username: “JuniorJohnson”. 

Police are concerned there may be other victims and are requesting anyone with information to come forward.

A photo of the suspect is attached and can be viewed at www.drps.ca

James DAW, age 72, of Hamilton is charged with: Luring a Person Under 16 to Facilitate the Offence of Sexual Assault; Luring a Person Under 16 to Facilitate the Offence of sexual Interference; Luring a Person Under 16 to Facilitate the Offence of Exposure; Luring a Person Under 18 to Facilitate the Offence of Making Child Pornography and Make Sexually Explicit Material Available to a Person Under 18 for the Purpose of Making Child Pornography.

He was held for a bail hearing.

Anyone with information about this or similar incidents is asked to contact D/Cst. Tyrell of the Internet Child Exploitation Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5544.

For more information on our ICE unit and resources that are available please visit our website at https://www.drps.ca/community-safety-and-support/crime-prevention/internet-safety-and-child-exploitation/

The Durham Regional Police would like to acknowledge the assistance of the Canadian National and Ontario Provincial Strategies to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on the Internet. This project has been made possible by a grant from the Ministry of the Solicitor General.

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.

The information in this media release contains facts and circumstances that have been obtained from a police investigation.  These allegations have yet to be proven in court.

Additional charges have been laid in a child pornography investigation where three new victims have been identified.

On Wednesday, July 31, 2024, members of the Internet Child Exploitation Unit (ICE), executed a search warrant at the residence of a male believed to be making and sharing child pornography, using the Telegram app with user names: ‘C Ja’ and “Nomey6969’.  The suspect was arrested and charged with failing to comply with the SOIRA and Christopher’s Law.  Several electronic devices were seized from the residence.

Subsequent analysis of the suspect’s electronic devices revealed a multitude of child pornographic content, including plans to travel and commit sexual acts on underage persons.

The suspect was arrested on August 30, 2024 and further charged with a number of offences.  He was held in custody.

Further investigation led to the identification of a victim in Durham Region. With the assistance of the RCMP/NCECC and the Philippines National Police, two additional victims were identified in the Philippines.

The suspect has remained in custody since August 30, 2024, and is now facing eight additional charges.

Christopher JACKSON, age 30, of Clarington is facing additional charges of: Sexual Assault; Sexual Interference; Make Child Pornography x2; Voyeurism x2; Non-Consensual Distribution of Intimate Image and Agree/Arrange – Sexual Offence Against a Child under 18.

Police are concerned there may be other victims and are requesting anyone with information to come forward. A photo of the suspect is attached and can be viewed at www.drps.ca

For more information on our ICE unit and resources that are available please visit our website at https://www.drps.ca/community-safety-and-support/crime-prevention/internet-safety-and-child-exploitation/

Anyone with information about this or similar incidents is asked to contact D/Cst. Mayhew of the Internet Child Exploitation Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5502.

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.

Police are concerned there may be more victims after a 21-year-old male was arrested and charged with committing sexual offences against a minor.

On Friday, February 7, 2025, members of the Durham Regional Police Service’s Human Trafficking Unit (HTU) began an investigation after it was learned a 14-year-old girl was being groomed for human trafficking.  The victim had been contacted, unsolicited, by a male on Snapchat who claimed he was 18 years old and went by the name “Ace.” The victim informed him that she was 14-years-old but the male continued to engage with her.  During this time the accused and victim met up on several occasions.

On Wednesday, February 12, 2025, a Criminal Code search warrant was executed at the male’s residence on Brimley Road in Scarborough. With the assistance of uniformed members, HTU investigators executed the warrant, and a male was arrested without incident.

Hammad ABOWATH, age 21 of Toronto, is charged with Sexual Interference with a person under 16 years of age and Invitation to Sexual Touching Under 16 years of age.

He was held for a bail hearing.

A support network for survivors of human trafficking has been established in the Region of Durham.  These services can be accessed via www.stopht.com.

Victim Services of Durham Region is available for anyone who needs free, confidential support without judgement. Visit their website at www.victimservicesdurham.ca.

Anyone who has been victimized by the accused or has any information about this or similar incidents is asked to contact the Human Trafficking Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5600.

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.