THUNDER BAY – CRIMEBEAT – A Thunder Bay resident is facing serious charges following an investigation by the Thunder Bay Police Service Cyber Crime Unit into the online sharing of child pornography.
Investigation Details
The investigation began in September 2024 when Thunder Bay police received information suggesting that a local internet user was involved in sharing files containing child sexual abuse material earlier this year. Acting on this information, investigators from the Cyber Crime Unit conducted a thorough examination of digital activities linked to the suspect.
Last month, with assistance from the Community Oriented Response and Engagement (CORE) Unit, police executed a search warrant at a residence in Thunder Bay. During the search, electronic devices were seized for further examination.
Arrest and Charges
On Tuesday, November 5, 31-year-old Austin Rilett of Thunder Bay was arrested as a result of the investigation. Rilett faces the following charges under the Criminal Code of Canada:
- Possession of Child Pornography
- Accessing Child Pornography
Both charges are considered indictable offenses with significant penalties upon conviction. Under Canadian law:
- Possession of Child Pornography can lead to a prison sentence of up to 10 years for a first offense.
- Accessing Child Pornography carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years as well.
These severe penalties reflect the serious nature of crimes involving child sexual exploitation, as they contribute to the victimization of children and perpetuate harmful materials.
Legal Process and Presumption of Innocence
The accused, Austin Rilett, made a court appearance on Tuesday and has been remanded into custody pending a future court date. It is important to remember that in Canada, individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This presumption of innocence is a fundamental right in the justice system, ensuring that an accused person is afforded a fair trial.
