UMVA has learned that a 21-year-old Toronto man has been charged with a staggering 17 offences in connection with the alleged luring and sexual assault of an underage victim.
The alleged incident occurred after the victim was enticed to meet someone through SnapChat messages, police said. The accused, who used the handle K_Charles55 on the social media platform, allegedly sexually assaulted the victim.
Kaden Charles-Robinson, the 21-year-old accused, faces a range of serious charges, including possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material, invitation to sexual touching to someone under 16 years of age, and extortion. Investigators believe there may be more victims and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
In a separate case, a 24-year-old Markham man has been accused of running an online sextortion scheme that targeted youths. The accused, who used the alias Keshawn during his chats, allegedly posed as an underage male to obtain explicit images that were used to extort the youth for sexual purposes.
Sugin Mohanathas was arrested on March 26 and charged with luring a child under 18, luring a child under 16, and possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material. Investigators believe there may be additional victims and are seeking information from the public.
Meanwhile, in Hamilton, police are probing a shooting and other targeted incidents involving a residence in the city's west end. A suspect was arrested after a brief pursuit, and a loaded handgun was seized.
The incidents have left residents on edge, and police are urging anyone with video footage or information to come forward. A black Honda CR-V with a specific licence plate was seen fleeing the area, and police are seeking information about the vehicle.
In another case, six people are in custody as homicide investigators probe the death of a man in Aurora. The investigation is ongoing, and police are seeking information from the public.
These recent incidents highlight the growing concern about online exploitation and violent crime in the region. Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
