25 year-old Mississauga Male Arrested For Child Pornography Related Charges
Incident 21-8426
On Thursday March 11, 2021, at approximately 2:40 am, a community patrol officer with the Brantford Police Service stopped a vehicle on Wayne Gretzky Parkway. The driver, Sebasten Cruz, 25 years old, a resident of Mississauga, was bound by a condition not possess electronic devices capable of storing images and videos.
Upon investigation, the patrol officer located a cellular phone within the vehicle, which contained child pornography images. As a result, Cruz was placed under arrest for breaching his Recognizance of Bail and Possession of Child Pornography. Cruz was held for a bail hearing.
On the following day, the Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit of the Brantford Police Service executed two Search Warrants at two residences associated with Cruz. With the assistance of the ICE Unit of the Peel Regional Police Service and ICE Unit of the Toronto Police Service, search warrants were executed in Mississauga and Etobicoke. Police seized electronic devices from both residences.
Anyone with information relating to internet sexual crimes against children is urged to call Detective Balbir Singh of the Brantford Police Service ICE Section at 519-756-0113.
Tipsters who wish to remain anonymous are asked to contact Brant-Brantford Crime Stoppers at 519-750-8477 or 1-800-222-8477. Alternatively, a web tip may be submitted at: https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=251
Provincial Strategy to Protect Children from Sexual Exploitation on the Internet
On March 29, 2007, alongside the OPP Child Exploitation Section and 26 other municipal police services, the Brantford Police Service joined the Provincial Strategy to Protect Children from Sexual Exploitation on the Internet.
The online exploitation of children continues to be a challenge for investigators due to its sheer volume, global reach and anonymity; however, these police partners and the Provincial Government are committed to making a difference in our communities.
The Brantford Police Service supports this strategy, and has recognized that images of children and child abuse placed on the internet lead to perpetual victimization.
This project has been made possible by a grant from the Ministry of the Solicitor General.
Internet Safety Tips
Brantford Police Service is committed to ensuring the safety of our community’s children and taking action against online sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children.
The following information is provided to assist parents and caregivers to understand internet safety.
These simple tips can help the youngest members of your family stay safe online:
- Consider creating an internet contract with your child and have all parties sign it.
- Let your child know that you will be monitoring their online activities.
- Reinforce the fact that not everyone is who they say they are online.
- Discuss how pictures should not be sent or posted online without parental permission.
- Discuss sharing personal information online; never share their password with anyone other than their parents. Review the risks of personal information being misused online.
- Use only child-safe search engines such as: www.askkids.com www.kidsyahoo.com or www.kidsclick.org
- Encourage your child to trust in their instincts and stop, block, and tell if they are uncomfortable.
- Talk to your child about the consequences of being involved in any incidents that include cyberbullying, sexting, etc.
- Make sure your child understands that they can talk to you about anything on the internet.
As a parent, what can you do?
- Place your child’s computer in a common area. Set expectations for your child’s online and cell phone activities.
- Monitor your child’s activities online. Ask your child to show you what they are doing online, and be aware of whom they are talking to.
- Retrieve your child’s login information, e-mail addresses and password.
- If your child joins any social networking or gaming sites, help them create their online profile. Remember to only fill in information that is necessary and leave out any revealing information.
- Monitor ALL webcam use, and any posting or exchanging of pictures online.
- Do not allow your child to communicate in chat rooms.
- Use filtering software on computers.
- Communicate openly with your child. Encourage them to report any situation or information that makes them feel uncomfortable.
- Be aware of signs that your child may be in trouble:
- They quickly turn the computer or phone off when you walk into the room.
- Your child seems worried, withdrawn or depressed.
- Your child contacts, or is contacted by a person you do not know.
- If your child is being harassed or threatened, save the evidence and contact the police.
Additional Online Safety Resources
Safe Kids Canada www.safekidscanada.com
Cyber Tip www.cybertip.com
Be Web Aware www.bewebaware.ca
Kids in the Know www.kidsintheknow.ca
Canadian Centre of Child Protection www.protectchildren.ca
Public Safety in Partnership with our Community
