THUNDER BAY – Crimebeat – Child Pornography charges have been laid by Thunder Bay Police. Police conducted an investigation of a complaint of extortion from young female involving nude photos of her being in the possession of an unknown person. A cyber investigation began and resulted in a search warrant being executed at a Shuniah Township residence.
The female complainant is now an adult, but the alleged incident happened when she was under-aged.
Officers seized a computer and other electronic devices as a result of their search. A search of these items resulted in child pornography images being located.
Child Pornography Charges Laid
On Friday, January 11th, 2013 the Thunder Bay Police arrested 29 year old Mark Lehtonen for Possession of Child Pornography, Distribution of Child Pornography and Extortion. He made a court appearance and was remanded to the District Jail and will make another court appearance later today.
Lehtonen is currently employed as an Early Childhood Educator in Thunder Bay. The agencies he is currently employed at have been notified of his arrest and are taking the appropriate steps to notify the families that utilize their services to ensure the safety of the children.
During the initial search of the residence, police also located a large number of adult female undergarments. Police are asking if any member of the public believes that they are missing similar such items within the past year to call the police at 684-1200.
The investigation continues into this matter. This is the second instance of child pornography charges being laid in the region in the past several days.
