Charges laid following cyber crime investigation

February 5, 2026

TB25008802


A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation into child sexual abuse and exploitation material (CSAEM) has led to charges.

The Cyber Crime Unit began the investigation on March 7, 2025, after receiving a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).

According to the tip on January 4, 2025 someone uploaded images consistent with the Criminal Code definition of Child Pornography.

The investigation led to searches of homes in the Murillo area and Thunder Bay’s south end.

Several electronic devices were seized.

The suspect self-surrendered on February 4, 2026.

As a result of the investigation, 36-year-old Robert SZCZEPANSKI has been charged with:

• Access child sexual abuse and exploitation material

The accused was released with a future court date.

The Thunder Bay Police Service recognizes that parents and caregivers are the frontline when it comes to protecting children on the Internet and electronic devices.

We encourage you to remain vigilant in your efforts.

Tips for talking to your kids can be found, and reporting of any online exploitation can also be made, at Canada’s National Tipline for Reporting the Online Sexual Exploitation of Children at cybertip.ca.

There are also resources available through the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health for those who have a sexual interest in children.

The new Talking for Change (https://talkingforchange.ca/) program is the first of its kind in Canada and provides national and all-ages help for those concerned about their risk to use child sexual exploitation material or offend sexually against a child.

Anyone with information that could assist investigators is asked to please contact Detective Constable Brian STEWART at (807) 696-0192.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com.

Primary Response Unit investigation leads to drug trafficking charges

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TB26021214 Primary Response Unit investigation leads to drug trafficking charges A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation has led to charges. On June 5, 2026, officers with the Primary Response Unit located a driver asleep behind their steering wheel with the vehicle running in the Picton Avenue and Blucher Crescent area. Further investigation led to a search of the vehicle. During the search officers located and seized over 115 grams of suspected fentanyl, over 587 grams of suspected crack cocaine, cash, and items associated with drug trafficking. The estimated street value of the drugs seized is over $150,000. As a result of the investigation, 49-year-old Jermaine WILSON, of Brampton, Ontario is facing the following charges: · Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine · Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid · Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000  The accused was remanded into custody following their first court appearance.

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Charge laid following Major Crime Unit investigation

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