Cyber crime investigation leads to child pornography charges

December 3, 2025

TB25027324

A cybercrime investigation in Thunder Bay has led to child sexual abuse and exploitation material charges.


In July members of the Thunder Bay Police Service Cyber Crime Unit began investigating the distribution and accessing of child sexual abuse and exploitation material from the city.


The investigation began in response to a report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), via the National Child Exploitation Crime Centre (NCECC). 


The investigation led to a search warrant being executed on the city’s north end in October.


During the search multiple electronic devices were seized.


As a result of the investigation, 19-year-old Joshua CASEY-SKEDGEL was arrested on December 2, 2025 and he is facing the following charges:


-     Accessing Child Pornography

-     Possessing Child Pornography


The accused has been released from custody 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 (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.


This project has been made possible by a grant from the Ministry of the Solicitor General.


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.

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