FRAUD FRIDAY: Text Message Scams

TB26033026 A Thunder Bay Police Service Cyber Crime Unit investigation has resulted in charges. The investigation began on August 19, 2026, in response to a report of a local resident uploading child sexual abuse and exploitation material (CSAEM) to the Bing search engine. Further investigation led to a suspect being identified. On September 24, 2026, officers searched a home in Thunder Bay and seized multiple electronic devices as part of the investigation. On October 7, 2026, the suspect turned themselves in to Thunder Bay Police Service Headquarters. As a result of the investigation, 56-year-old Jeffrey PETERS of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material • Access any child sexual abuse and exploitation material The accused was remanded into custody following their first court appearance. The investigation into the matter remains ongoing. 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 807-684-1200 ex. 407. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com .

TB26038332 Police officers intervened and stopped an assault in progress where the assailant was in possession of a weapon. Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response officers were dispatched to an address on Arthur Street West shortly before 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 22, after receiving multiple reports of an assault that was occurring. Information was received that the suspect was wielding a knife while assaulting an adult male. Responding officers located a male matching the suspect description. The suspect was arrested and found to be in possession of a knife. The officers spoke to the victim and learned that the suspect had demanded money before brandishing a knife and committing assault. Zachery JIM, 31, is charged with the following: • Robbery • Assault with a Weapon • Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose • Uttering Threats – Cause Death or Bodily Harm The accused individual was remanded into custody following an initial court appearance.