UPDATE: Cyber Crime project results in 12 arrests

February 5, 2025

The following media release has been updated to include details about those charged:

An extensive investigation into the non-consensual sharing of intimate content has resulted in 12 people being arrested and facing a total of 172 charges.

 

The Thunder Bay Police Service Cyber Crime Unit began investigating in 2023 after learning that multiple women in Thunder Bay had been having their images shared through groups in an online chat platform.

 

As a result of the investigation, a total of 117 victims have been identified, which also includes victims in at least three other countries and across Canada.

 

Investigators obtained 26 production orders, 18 search warrants, and 15 general warrants. The investigation has resulted in nearly 600 exhibits being seized.

 

The accused individuals turned themselves in to police on Wednesday, February 5.

 

Charged are the following:

 

Joshua WANAKAMIK, 34:

•             Distribution Intimate Images Without Consent x90

•             Mischief

•             Unauthorized Use of a Computer x2

•             Identity Fraud x2

•             Accessing Child Pornography

•             Possession Child Pornography

•             Distributing Child Pornography

 

Darryl RENAUD, 38:

•             Distribution Intimate Images Without Consent x4

•             Luring

•             Extortion

•             Accessing Child Pornography

•             Possession of Child Pornography

•             Distributing Child Pornography

 

Aaron STOLZ, 37:

•             Distribution of Intimate Images Without Consent x20

•             Accessing Child Pornography

•             Possession of Child Pornography

•             Distribution of Child Pornography

 

Jonathon PRIESTON, 32:

•             Distribution of Intimate Images Without Consent x11

 

Lindsey HUNT, 38:

•             Distribution of Intimate Images Without Consent x8

•             Accessing Child Pornography

•             Possession of Child Pornography

•             Distribution of Child Pornography

 

Tyler BLOUIN, 28:

•             Distribution of Intimate Images Without Consent x6

•             Accessing Child Pornography

•             Possession of Child Pornography

•             Distribution of Child Pornography

 

Ryan MADORE, 38:

•             Distribution of Intimate Images Without Consent x3

•             Possession of Child Pornography

 

James EDGSON, 36:

•             Distribution of Intimate Images Without Consent

•             Possession of Child Pornography

 

Sheldon PRICE, 30:

•             Distribution of Intimate Images Without Consent x3

 

BRADLEY COMUZZI, 37; Ian WARREN, 37; Jordi LEBLANC, 31:

•             Distribution of Intimate Images Without Consent

 

The accused individuals appeared in court on Wednesday and have future appearance dates.

 

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.

 

Woman arrested, charged with two counts of mischief over $5,000

October 3, 2025
TB25039576

FRAUD FRIDAY: Residential Rental Scams

October 3, 2025
The Thunder Bay Police Service is continuing to advise the public of scams that target local residents. Police regularly receive reports of residents who have been victimized by fraudulent residential rental scams. Residential rental scams happen when a person interested in renting a property believes they are communicating with the owner or landlord of an available property. The renter may be pressured into paying a deposit to view the property, or live elsewhere and be unable to view a property in person before agreeing to rent it. The renter pays a deposit, only to find that the property was never available for rent. The deposit – and the “landlord” - disappear. If the price seems too good to be true, it likely is. Red flags to watch for include the landlord asking for cash only, a cash security deposit, or money to be wired. Tips Don’t send money to anyone you have not met in person and/or for property you have not seen in person. Ask for identification from anyone showing you the property and write down the licence plate if they arrive in a vehicle. Search for owner information in the Land Titles office to confirm you are dealing with the owner. The Thunder Bay Police Service’s Economic Crime Unit urges residents to speak to family members and friends who may be vulnerable to being targeted by these types of scams. If you are concerned about potential scams and want to learn more, please visit https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/safety/fraud-prevention or contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre ( http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/ ) 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

Police investigating homicide

October 1, 2025
TB25039209