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.

 

Fraud Friday: Fraudulent Door-to-Door Canvassers

November 15, 2025
The Thunder Bay Police Service is reminding residents to stay vigilant following reports of people going door-to-door claiming to represent the Salvation Army. The Salvation Army has confirmed that they are not conducting any door-to-door canvassing. Residents are urged not to provide money or personal information to anyone visiting your home claiming to be collecting donations for the Salvation Army. Legitimate volunteers with the Salvation Army are collecting donations at retail locations through their Christmas Kettle Campaign. The Canadian Red Cross has confirmed that they had been conducting legitimate door-to-door fundraising. That campaign was scheduled to end today. Residents should note the following identifiers of legitimate Red Cross canvassers: • They wear red vests. • They are knowledgeable about Red Cross programs. • They ask for electronic donations only — no cash or cheques are accepted. • They carry official identification, including a manager’s contact information on the back. Police encourage residents to use caution with any unsolicited door-to-door requests. When in doubt, do not provide payment or personal details. Instead, contact the organization directly through verified phone numbers or websites. Anyone who encounters suspicious canvassers or believes they may have been targeted by a scam should report it to police by calling 807-684-1200.

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