Charges laid following cyber crime investigation

March 26, 2026

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The Thunder Bay Police Service is looking to identify potential additional victims following a Cyber Crime Unit and Major Crime Unit investigation.


Following a report of an adult soliciting illicit images from a minor in the city, an investigation led to a suspect being identified.


As part of the investigation, on February 25, 2026, officers searched a home on Thunder Bay’s north end.


During the search a number of electronic devices and a vehicle were seized.


On March 12, 2026, the suspect was located and arrested by the Thunder Bay Police Service Break Enter Armed Robbery Unit (BEAR). 


As a result of the investigation, 28-year-old Matthew STEWART of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges:


• Luring a person under 18 years of age by means of telecommunication

• Sexual interference

• Invitation to sexual touching under 16 years of age

• Sexual assault on a person under 16 years of age

• Luring a person under 16 years of age by means of telecommunication (three counts)


The accused was remanded into custody after their first court appearance.


Anyone who has experienced concerning activity involving the Snapchat accounts Johnnysnowpl4ug or MattStew456 is asked to contact police.


The Thunder Bay Police Service is continuing to investigate the matter and is looking to identify additional potential victims.


Anyone with information that could assist investigators is asked to please contact Detective Constable Joel Manherz at (807) 684-1200 ext. 4115. 


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


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. 

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