UPDATE: Cyber Crime project results in 12 arrests

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.