(ORILLIA, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has arrested an Oro-Medonte resident following a child sexual exploitation investigation.
A search warrant was executed at a residence by the OPP Child Sexual Exploitation Unit, with the assistance of the Orillia OPP Detachment, the Digital Forensics Unit and the Federal Bureau of Investigations. Several electronic devices were seized.
Andrew BERTAN, 55 years of age, was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code offences:
- Possession of child pornography, section 163.1(4) – two counts
- Making Child Pornography available, section 163.1(3)
The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Orillia on February 20, 2024.
Children are our most vulnerable and precious members of society. Many victims of child sexual abuse are so young that they cannot tell their story. Every time an image or video depicting that abuse is shared, that child is re-victimized.
The OPP will continue to aggressively identify and pursue individuals who use technology to exploit children. Parents are reminded to take a proactive approach to help protect their children from online sexual exploitation by speaking with their children regarding internet safety. Parents can find resources at cybertip.ca or protectchildren.ca.
If you have information regarding internet child exploitation and wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca. Information can also be reported through cybertip.ca.
