Local Resident Charged in Child Pornography Case Following Police Search

Members of the Thunder Bay Police Service’s Cyber Crime Unit have charged a local resident with multiple counts of child pornography-related offenses. The investigation began after authorities suspected a local internet user of downloading and distributing child pornography between March and April 2024.

In May, police executed a search warrant at a residence on Frederica Street West, seizing an electronic device as evidence. Following the investigation, Kevin Syrjanen, 27, of Thunder Bay, turned himself in to police on the morning of Wednesday, June 5, 2024.

Syrjanen faces charges under the Criminal Code of Canada, including Possession of Child Pornography, Accessing Child Pornography, and Making Available Child Pornography. Each of these charges carries severe penalties.

Possession of Child Pornography can result in a mandatory minimum sentence of one year in prison and up to 10 years if prosecuted by indictment. Accessing Child Pornography and Making Available Child Pornography carry similar mandatory minimums and maximum penalties.

Syrjanen appeared in court on Wednesday and has been remanded into custody pending a future court appearance.

How to Help

If you have any information that could assist investigators, please contact Detective Constable Joel Manherz at (807) 684-1200 ext. 4115. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com.