Cyber crime investigation leads to charges

June 10, 2026

TB26015221


A Thunder Bay Police Service Cyber Crime Unit investigation has resulted in charges.
 
On April 23, 2026, officers received a report from another police agency regarding potential child sexual abuse and exploitation in Thunder Bay.
 
Further investigation led to a suspect being identified.
 
On April 29, 2026, officers searched a home on Thunder Bay’s south side and seized multiple electronic devices.
 
On June 10, 2026, a suspect surrendered themself at the Thunder Bay Police Service Station at 1200 Balmoral Street.
 
As a result of the investigation, 50-year-old Michael SCORGIE of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: 
• Luring a person under 16-years of age by means of telecommunications (two counts) 
• Arrangement to commit a sexual offence against a person under 16-years of age (two counts) 
• Arrangement to commit a sexual offence against a person under 18-years of age 
• Make prints, publishes or possesses for the purpose of publication of any child sexual abuse and exploitation material 
• Possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material
 
The accused was released from custody following 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

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Police presence expected on Thunder Bay’s south end

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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

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