Investigation leads to child pornography charges

November 26, 2025

TB25011915

A cybercrime investigation in Thunder Bay has led to child pornography charges.


In March, members of the Thunder Bay Police Service Cyber Crime Unit began investigating the distribution and accessing of child pornography from the city.


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


During the search multiple electronic devices were seized.


Following an examination of the devices, three suspects were identified in the home that was searched.


Officers requested that the suspects turn themselves in.


On November 25, all three suspects surrendered as requested, and were arrested.


As a result, 19-year-old Richard JACOB is charged with Accessing Child Pornography.


Both 46-year-old, Reuben Dennis JAMES, and 28-year-old Dakota Allan PELLY are also facing the following charges:


-         Accessing Child Pornography

-         Possessing Child Pornography


All of the accused have been released from custody with future court dates.


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.


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

November 2, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service is joining police services and community partners across Ontario in recognizing Crime Prevention Week. Crime Prevention Week is an opportunity to highlight the role everyone plays in building safe and resilient communities. Crime prevention is most effective when police, community organizations, businesses, governments, and residents work together through education, awareness, reporting, and community engagement. Throughout the week, the Thunder Bay Police Service will share information, resources, and practical crime prevention tips through its social media channels. Topics will focus on ways residents can reduce their risk of victimization and contribute to community safety. Residents who witness suspicious activity or become victims of crime are encouraged to report it. Non-emergency reports can be made by calling 807-684-1200 or online at: https://www.services.tryrubicon.com/thunder-bay-police-service/online-reports Emergencies can be reported to 911. Information provided by the public can help identify crime trends, support investigations, and address emerging community safety concerns. Follow the Thunder Bay Police Service on social media for crime prevention information, resources, and tips aimed at helping build a safer Thunder Bay.
October 30, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service is warning residents after receiving a report regarding a scam in which individuals are contacted by someone claiming to be from their cell service provider. The caller may offer a phone upgrade, loyalty discount, or other promotional deal.  Using personal or account information, the scammer then orders a device through a legitimate service provider. The scammer may already possess some of the victim's personal information before making contact. After the device arrives, the victim may receive another call from someone claiming to represent the service provider. In some cases, the scammers rely on the victim contacting them directly about the unexpected shipment. In some instances, multiple devices may be shipped to the victim's address. When victims inquire about the unexpected shipment, scammers may provide a fraudulent return address or send a prepaid shipping label. The package is then redirected to an address controlled by the scammer rather than the legitimate company. Prevention Tips: · Avoid purchasing products through unsolicited phone calls. Contact the company directly to verify any offers. · Do not use unexpected return labels without confirming they are legitimate. · Contact your provider directly regarding deals. Use the official phone number on the company’s website to verify any return request. · Check your account. Review your account through the provider’s official app or website for unfamiliar orders or changes. For further information about various frauds and scams that may be circulating, please visit https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/safety/fraud-prevention or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online at: https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm To make a fraud/cyber crime online report to the Thunder Bay Police Service, please visit: https://www.services.tryrubicon.com/thunder-bay-police-service/online-reports/report/fraud-cybercrime