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.

Thunder Bay Police Service investigating criminal harassment

February 7, 2026
TB26003763, TB26003756, TB26004039 The Thunder Bay Police Service is continuing an investigation into criminal harassment. Officers began an investigation into a suspicious vehicle on January 28, 2026, following multiple reports about the vehicle – a silver older model of Dodge Ram pickup truck. A person in the same truck has been seen attempting to pick up females in Thunder Bay’s downtown cores. The driver is described as an Indigenous male, roughly 40-50 years-old, with a heavy build and a shaved head. The Major Crime Unit, Community Oriented Response and Engagement Unit (CORE), and the Break and Enter and Armed Robbery (BEAR) Unit became involved in the ongoing investigation. Officers with the BEAR Unit located and arrested a suspect in the case on January 30, 2026. The Thunder Bay Police Service is looking for other victims that may have been impacted. A tip line (807) - 701 - 5417 has been established. Those providing information to the tip line must include their name and phone number so investigators can follow up. If you wish to provide information anonymously, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or online at www.p3tips.com.

Drug trafficking investigation leads to charges

February 6, 2026
TB26004504 A Thunder Bay Police Service drug trafficking investigation has led to the seizure of suspected illegal drugs and charges. Officers with the Intelligence Unit searched a home on Margaret Street on February, 03, 2026, as part of the investigation. During the search suspected cocaine, fentanyl, cash, and other items associated with drug trafficking were seized. Two people in the home were also arrested. As a result of the investigation, 55-year-old Lynda MCCALLUM from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000 • Failure to comply with release order MCCALLUM remains in custody with a future court date. The second suspect has been released with a future court date and is not being named until their charges are read before the court.

Thunder Bay Police Service investigation leads to charges

February 6, 2026
TB26004395 A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation into a shooting incident has led to charges. Officers with the Primary Response Unit were sent to the Vale Crescent area on February 02, 2026, around 10:45 p.m. Officers located an injured victim who was transported to a local hospital for further treatment. The Major Crime Unit became involved in the investigation and identified a suspect. Officers with the Major Crime, Break and Enter and Robbery, Emergency Task, and Intelligence Units arrested a youth offender on February 05, 2026 in the Dawson Road area. As a result, a 17-year-old is facing the following charges: • Attempt to commit murder using firearm • Robbery with intent (two counts) • Reckless discharge of a firearm • Knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm • Unauthorized possession of a firearm • Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose • Pointing a firearm • Possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to a prohibition order The accused also has additional outstanding warrants with the Thunder Bay Police Service. They remain in custody with a future court date.