Individual charged with internet luring
Members of the Peterborough County Detachment – Major Crime Unit of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have laid charges in relation to internet luring of a minor.
On Saturday, Aug. 1, a concerned parent contacted the Peterborough County OPP, advising that they had located sexually explicit images of an adult male on their 12-year-old child’s tablet. The parent also advised that there were conversations that were found on social media platforms that they were unaware their child even had.
An investigation began by the Peterborough County OPP Major Crime Unit (MCU), which resulted in an arrest being made. On Thursday, Aug. 13, the Peterborough County OPP MCU, along with the Offender Management Unit and the City of Kawartha Lakes MCU, executed a search warrant at a residence in Peterborough where the accused was located and placed under arrest.
Aaron Paulson, 33, of Peterborough was arrested and charged with;
• Making sexually explicit material available to a person under 18 years of age
• Possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material
• Access any child sexual abuse and exploitation material
• Makes, prints, publishes or possesses for the purpose of publication of any child sexual abuse and exploitation material
• Luring a person under 18 years of age by means of telecommunication
The accused was held for Bail to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Peterborough.
The OPP encourages parents and guardians to take an active role in their children’s online activities by maintaining open conversations about internet safety, understanding the apps, games and social media platforms they use, and regularly reviewing privacy and security settings. As technology continues to evolve, staying informed and engaged is one of the most effective ways to help protect children from online risks. By working together and fostering safe online habits, families can create a safer digital environment where children can learn, connect and explore responsibly.
