Online Extortion investigation leads to arrest

November 13, 2025

TB25010905

A cyber crime investigation has resulted in a local man being arrested on a number of Internet related charges.

 

Members of the Thunder Bay Police Service Cyber Crime Unit began an investigation earlier this year after receiving information that a local internet user was suspected of extorting a non-local victim for their nudes.

 

In June a search was executed in relation to the investigation.

 

Police found that the accused extorted female victims between the ages of 10 and 16 for the purpose of communicating and exchanging sexually explicit material.

 

Kayden SOUTHERLAND, 19, of Thunder Bay, is charged with Accessing Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material, Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material, Possession of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material, Extortion x 2, Luring x 3 and Making Sexually Explicit Material Available to a Child.

 

The accused turned himself in to police on the morning of Thursday, November 13. The accused appeared in court this morning and has been released with conditions and a future appearance 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. 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.

 

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.

 

 

Primary Response Unit investigation leads to drug trafficking charges

June 9, 2026
TB26021214 Primary Response Unit investigation leads to drug trafficking charges A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation has led to charges. On June 5, 2026, officers with the Primary Response Unit located a driver asleep behind their steering wheel with the vehicle running in the Picton Avenue and Blucher Crescent area. Further investigation led to a search of the vehicle. During the search officers located and seized over 115 grams of suspected fentanyl, over 587 grams of suspected crack cocaine, cash, and items associated with drug trafficking. The estimated street value of the drugs seized is over $150,000. As a result of the investigation, 49-year-old Jermaine WILSON, of Brampton, Ontario is facing the following charges: · Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine · Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid · Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000  The accused was remanded into custody following their first court appearance.

Police presence expected in Ravenwood Avenue and Ray Boulevard area

June 8, 2026
TB26021683 A Thunder Bay Police Service presence is expected in the Ravenwood Avenue and Ray Boulevard area. There is no threat to public safety. No other information is available at this time.

Charge laid following Major Crime Unit investigation

June 7, 2026
TB26017520 A Thunder Bay Police Service Major Crime Unit Investigation has resulted in a charge. During the investigation, a deceased individual, later identified as 36-year-old Kelsey ANDERSON was located. On June 6, 2026, officers located and arrested a suspect connected to the death. As a result of the investigation, 33-year-old Dion MCKAY of Thunder Bay has been charged with manslaughter. The accused remains in custody following their first court appearance.