Two men from Chatham are among 63 people charged across Ontario as part of Project Time, a major enforcement operation targeting online child sexual exploitation, police confirmed this week. The coordinated sweep, led under Ontario’s Provincial Strategy to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on the Internet, also resulted in 51 identified victims and a large number of devices seized.
Local charges and custody
In the addendum to the list of charged individuals released by investigators, the two Chatham men were listed as a 45-year-old and a 35-year-old. According to court documents and police statements, the 45-year-old faces charges that include possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material, accessing such material, and a charge of bestiality. He is being held in custody with a next court appearance set for July 28, 2026.
The 35-year-old is charged with possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material and accessing the same material. He is also being held in custody; his next court date had not been determined at the time of the release.
Scope of the provincial operation
Police agencies said the operation was a multi-jurisdictional effort involving the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and member services participating in the Provincial Internet Child Exploitation Strategy. The Chatham-Kent Police Service is among the 26 member agencies that collaborate on the strategy.
- 63 individuals arrested across Ontario
- 51 victims identified and safeguarded
- 213 charges laid provincewide
- 814 electronic devices seized
- 264 criminal investigations conducted, with 154 still ongoing
“Project Time is a testament to the dedication and commitment of law enforcement professionals across Ontario and Canada to protect children from exploitation,”
— OPP Detective Staff Sergeant Tara Clark, Provincial Internet Child Exploitation Strategy Lead
Implications for the Chatham community
Local residents and families may be unsettled by news that two community members are among those charged. The Chatham-Kent Police Service, as a member of the provincial strategy, works with the OPP and other agencies to identify victims and pursue those who create, possess or distribute child sexual abuse material. Police statements highlighted that some accused individuals held positions of trust and that several were repeat offenders elsewhere in the province.
| Metric | Provincial total |
|---|---|
| People charged | 63 |
| Victims identified | 51 |
| Devices seized | 814 |
Investigations into online child exploitation often continue for months as police analyse seized devices and follow leads. Local authorities have not released further identifying details about the two Chatham men because the matters remain before the courts.
Anyone in the community with information related to online exploitation or who suspects a child may be at risk is urged to contact the Chatham-Kent Police Service or Crime Stoppers. As investigations proceed, updates will be provided through official police channels.
