Thunder Bay cyber crime investigation leads to charges

February 11, 2026

TB25028861


A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation into Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material (CSAEM) has led to charges.
 
Thunder Bay’s Cyber Crime Unit began the investigation on July 21, 2025, after receiving a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), via the National Child Exploitation Crime Centre (NCECC).
 
Officers searched a home on Thunder Bay’s south end on November 28, 2025.
 
Several electronic devices were seized.
 
As a result of the investigation, 28-year-old Jayden Belanger from 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 has been released from custody with a future court date.
 
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 Joel Manherz at (807) 684-1200 ext. 4115.
 
Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com.

Thunder Bay Police Service assault investigation leads to charges

July 22, 2026
TB26027236 A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation has resulted in charges. Officers with the Primary Response Unit were dispatched to the Howe Street and Cumberland Street North area on July 12, 2026, around 6:30 PM in response to a weapons related call for service. On scene, a victim was located with minor injuries. A search of the area led to a suspect being located and arrested. As a result of the investigation 23-year-old Cadence KAKEPETUM of Shuniah is facing the following charges: • Assault with a weapon • Fail to comply with probation order The accused was released from custody following their first court appearance with a future court date.

July 2026

July 22, 2026
In recent weeks, the policing community has been shaken by the deaths of officers in Ontario and Quebec, along with the tragic loss of a constable in training. When officers are victims of violence by criminals, the grief is especially difficult. I encourage our community to think about those who choose to serve, the families who support them, and the commitment they make every day in the interest of public safety. As we continue to honour and remember fallen officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities, we are also reminded of the strength, compassion and generosity that define our own community. I want to extend my sincere thanks to our members and to everyone who supported our toy drive for wildfire evacuees. The level of support shown through these donations demonstrates how powerful kindness can be, and that the people of our community can be counted on to help in a time of need. Many people have lost homes, camps and properties, and many are hurting. Many of us are supporting family, friends, neighbours and community members experiencing those losses. Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by the wildfires, and I encourage continued kindness and compassion as we support those who need it most. Darcy Fleury, M.O.M. Chief of Police

June 2026

July 22, 2026
Our 2025 Annual Report reflects the dedication, compassion, and professionalism of the Thunder Bay Police Service, while marking important progress in putting our new Strategic Plan into action. The report recognizes the people behind the service: frontline officers, Communications Operators, civilian professionals, and sworn members who support our community with integrity, care, and dedication. I am proud of what our members have accomplished, and their continued dedication to serving our community. The report also includes 2025 data that demonstrate that ours remains a busy service, responding to a high volume and wide range of increasingly complex calls. Some examples: 50,813 total calls for service 10,243 priority 1 calls 2,341 Mental Health Act calls 2,508 domestic calls 866 missing persons calls 797 weapons calls 445 impaired driving charges $4.5+ million in drugs seized 42 lockdown drills by School Resource Officers 164,125 exhibits handled by the Digital Evidence Management Team 1,452,492 kilometers traveled by our fleet vehicles I invite you to read through the report at https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/reports.  You will see highlights of the impact of our work, including intelligence-led policing, targeted enforcement, prevention efforts, and technology that are helping improve public safety and reduce harm. I am and grateful for the opportunity to serve this community as we move forward with focus, purpose, and commitment. I extend my sincere thanks to our sworn and civilian members, community partners, and residents. Public safety is a shared responsibility, and together we continue working toward a safer, more supportive community for everyone. Darcy Fleury, M.O.M. Chief of Police