The Halton Regional Police Service – Internet Child Exploitation Unit has laid charges in relation to a man who allegedly recorded male victims for sexual purposes across the GTA.
On March 23, police say a 13-year-old boy attended the Cineplex Cinemas on Winston Park Drive in Oakville. While using the bathroom at the theatre, the boy allegedly observed a male suspect filming him over the top of the bathroom stall, according to police.
Through the course of investigation, a suspect was identified.
On April 1, 30-year-old Robert Russell of Brampton was arrested in Oakville and charged with voyeurism.
He was held in custody pending a bail hearing at that time.
Through further investigation, it was determined that between October 2021 and March 2023, police say Russell allegedly attended approximately 30 locations across the GTA and one location in Montreal (sporting events, movie theatres, public pools, etc.) where he entered men’s public washrooms and recorded males.
Police say the victims appeared to range in age from approximately three years old up to adults.
As a result of new evidence, Russell was re-arrested on Aug. 3 and was charged with the following additional offences:
- Voyeurism
- Make child pornography
- Possession of child pornography.
Russell has once again been held in custody pending a bail hearing.
Investigators believe there are additional and unidentified victims in relation to Russell and are asking anyone with information, or anyone who has been victimized by him to contact D/Cst Verreault of the Internet Child Exploitation Unit at 905-825-4777, ext. 8986.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web here.
