Cyber Crime Unit investigation leads to charges

May 5, 2026

TB25038076



A Thunder Bay Police Service Cyber Crime Unit investigation has led to charges.
 
The investigation began in September 2025, after the Cyber Crime Unit received information about an individual in the city uploading Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material (CSAEM) to their Google Photos account.
 
In February 2026, a home was searched on Thunder Bay’s south end leading to the seizure of multiple electronic devices.
 
On May 5, 2026, a suspect turned themselves in.
 
As a result of the investigation, 27-year-old Ira BENSON from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: 
• Possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material 
• Access any child sexual abuse and exploitation material 
• Make child sexual abuse and exploitation material 
• Sexual assault
 
The accused was remanded into custody after their first court appearance with a future court date.
 
Anyone with information that could assist investigators is asked to please contact Detective Constable Joel Manherz at (807) 684-1200 ext. 4115.
 
Tips can 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 – the safety tips outlined below are recommended for children of any age.
 
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.
 
This project has been made possible by a grant from the Ministry of the Solicitor General.
 
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.


Thunder Bay Police Service Traffic Unit school zone patrol leads to charges

October 8, 2026
TB26040506 A Thunder Bay Police Service Traffic Unit patrol has resulted in a stunt driving charge. On October 7, 2026, an officer was driving in the Rosslyn Road area around 2:30 PM when they located a vehicle travelling 89km per hour in a 40km per hour school zone. The driver was stopped and was charged with: • Speeding (HTA) • Stunt Driving (HTA) The driver is facing a 30-day licence suspension, and their vehicle has been impounded for 14 days. Drivers are reminded to adhere to posted speed limits in school zones and community safety zones. Reduced speeds are in place to protect children who may be walking, cycling, or crossing the roadway during peak travel periods. The Thunder Bay Police Service Traffic Unit remains committed to public safety and will continue proactive enforcement to ensure the protection of students, families, and all road users.

Police presence expected on Thunder Bay’s south end

October 8, 2026
A visible police presence is expected in the area of the 600 block of Victoria Avenue East. Thunder Bay Police Service officers were dispatched to the area on October 5, 2026, in response to a call for service. The investigation remains ongoing. No further information is available at this time. Updates will be provided as they become available.

Police locate and arrest assault suspect

October 8, 2026
TB26040420 One person faces multiple charges after attempting to flee arrest following an overnight assault. Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response officers were dispatched to an address in the area of Simpson and Bethune streets just after midnight on Wednesday, October 7, after receiving a report of an assault. Responding officers learned that two males became involved in a verbal altercation, which led to a physical assault. Officers located a male matching the suspect description in the area of May and Donald streets about 45 minutes later. The suspect attempted to flee from officers but was arrested and taken into custody. Paul ASH, 32, is charged with the following: • Assault Causing Bodily Harm • Resisting Police • Failure to Comply with Probation Order • Failure to Comply with Release Order The accused was remanded into custody following an initial court appearance date.