Members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Child Sexual Exploitation Unit, Digital Forensics Unit and Lennox & Addington County OPP have arrested and charged a Bath resident following a child sexual exploitation investigation.
On Dec. 15, 2021, police executed a search warrant at a home in Bath and seized several electronic devices. As a result of this investigation, Richard Moniz, 46-years-old, was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code charges:
- One count of accessing child pornography
- One count of make available child pornography
The accused was released from custody following a bail hearing and is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 18, 2022, at the Ontario Court of Justice in Napanee.
“The importance of protecting our children, cannot be understated. I encourage all members of the community to educate themselves on the dangers children can face online” stated Detective Superintendent Tina Chalk of the Criminal Investigation Services, Ontario Provincial Police.
Anyone wanting to make a difference is encouraged to go to www.protectchildren.ca and download the “Child Sexual Abuse- It Is Your Business” brochure from the Canadian Centre for Child Protection. This is an important first step that can save a child.
Police are asking anyone who may have information regarding this investigation or if you have information regarding internet child exploitation, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. If wish to remain anonymous you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca. Reporting information may also be made on the internet through www.cybertip.ca.