Woodstock Man Arrested in Child Exploitation Sting

Thursday, 28 April 2016 11:57

A 29 year old man from Woodstock is facing child pornography charges after a massive Provincial bust.

WOODSTOCK - A 29 year old man from Woodstock is one of 80 people who were charged in a massive, coordinated investigation by the Provincial Strategy to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on the Internet.

Ryan Millen has been charged with distribution of child pornography and possession of child pornography.

A 42 year old man from Burford was also arrested in the sting and charged with Making Child Pornography and accessing child pornography, however his name has not been released to the public.

Also charged was 50 year old Martin McCormick from Stratford Ontario. He faces two charges of possession of child pornography and one count of accessing child pornography.

Police forces from across the Province participated in the bust which saw 174 search warrants executed and 80 people were arrested on 274 charges. Charges range from Sexual Assault, Possession of Child Pornography, Make Available Child Pornography, Distribution of Child Pornography, Making Child Pornography, and Accessing Child Pornography.

Police were also able to identify 20 victims in the sting. Recognizing similarities with human trafficking investigations during this project, police were also able to ensure the safety of nine people who had been working in the sex trade as a minor or against their will, including 14, 15, and 16-year-olds.

“The most fundamental responsibility of any society is to protect its children. Every child has the right to be nurtured and the right to be safe. The Provincial Strategy demonstrates the success that police services worldwide can achieve when working together and sharing our best practices and information.” – Chief Superintendent Don BELL, Commander of OPP Investigation and Support Bureau

“The work being done on these investigations by skilled investigators, technical support staff and front-line officers is one of the most difficult jobs in police work. Children, teens and parents have a responsibility to educate themselves to ensure their online experiences are as rewarding as they want it to be and as safe as it needs to be. Inspector Lisa TAYLOR, Manager – OPP Electronic Crime Section