Several Halton residents, including two in Georgetown, are facing child pornography charges as part of a province-wide investigation cracking down on sexual abuse and exploitation of children on the Internet.
Dubbed Project Maverick, the initiative completed in October brought together 27 police departments - including the Halton Regional Police Service - and other relevant agencies who laid 428 charges against 107 people across Ontario.
In Halton, the following individuals have been charged:
- Leigh Yerxa, 86, Georgetown - accessing child pornography and two counts of possession of child pornography
- Gerald (Jerry) Mathias, 43, Georgetown: accessing child pornography and two counts of possession of child pornography
- Lance Crawford, 49, Burlington: accessing child pornography and two counts of possession of child pornography
- Matthew Phillips, 32, Burlington: accessing child pornography, make available child pornography, three counts of possession of child pornography, breach of probation, voyeurism
- Daniel Zai, 43, Burlington: accessing child pornography and two counts of possession of child pornography
- Robert Derham, 73, Burlington: accessing child pornography and two counts of possession of child pornography
- Kenneth McClymont, 44, Burlington: accessing child pornography and two counts of possession of child pornography
- Terry Mansley, 41, Milton: accessing child pornography, two counts of possession of child pornography and three counts of voyeurism
- Kyle Duncan, 47, Milton: accessing child pornography, make available child pornography and four counts of possession of child pornography.
During the investigations, police say 61 victims were identified and referred to appropriate community-based resources for assistance, while an additional 60 children were safeguarded. There are 175 ongoing investigations where additional charges may be laid.
“The Halton Regional Police Service is committed to working closely with our partner agencies to continue the fight against child exploitation,” said HRPS Inspector Chris Newcombe.
“It remains our utmost priority to protect those most vulnerable, and lead them to safety while holding those responsible for these crimes accountable. I’m extremely proud of the tremendous work done by our officers as part of Project Maverick.”
The investigations continue and anyone with information on these or any child exploitation investigations are asked to contact police at 905-825-4777.
Instances of online child abuse can be reported to police or http://www.cybertip.ca. If a child is being harmed, call 911.
