William Heidrick of Thunder Bay Arrested
Coordinated National Effort Identifies 31 Victims, Safeguards 20 Children
THUNDER BAY, ON – A major breakthrough in the fight against online child exploitation has been announced by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) as part of Project Steel, a nationwide operation targeting offenders who prey on children online.
This initiative, supported by the Provincial Strategy to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on the Internet, saw law enforcement agencies working together to investigate and apprehend individuals involved in producing, possessing, and distributing child sexual abuse material. The operation also led to the rescue of multiple victims and the provision of essential support services.
Project Steel: Key Results
- 31 victims identified
- 20 children safeguarded
- 40 individuals arrested
- 151 charges laid
- 686 electronic devices seized
Repeat Offender Arrested Amid Disturbing Findings
One of the most alarming arrests involved a repeat violent offender with a prior prison sentence for sexual offenses. A forensic analysis of seized digital devices uncovered evidence of a sexual assault on a child in a public space and online victimization of numerous unidentified children.
Thunder Bay Police Among Agencies Leading the Charge
The Thunder Bay Police Service was one of 25 police agencies participating in this operation. Law enforcement officials stress that protecting children from exploitation requires a collaborative effort involving parents, educators, child advocacy groups, and tech companies.
Local Man Faces Serious Charges
Locally, William HEIDRICK, aged 32 of Thunder Bay faces charges of Non-Consensual Distribution of Intimate Images x4, Accessing Child Pornography, Luring a person under 16, Making sexually explicit material available to child, Fail to comply with release order, Fail to comply with probation order x3, Criminal Harassment, Identify Fraud x2.
He was held in custody.
The next court date for the accused is scheduled for March 7, 2025 in Thunder Bay at the Superior Court of Justice Room 105 for a bail hearing.
Did you know?
The public is allowed to either attend court proceedings in person or by Zoom.
Join by internet: https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/61562719216?pwd=T1ZYYm5xWFNDOFJoZW1k NGZTeDJDUT09 Or
https://zoom.us/join Meeting ID: 615 6271 9216 Password: 042968
Authorities urge the public to stay informed and report suspicious activity through the Canadian Centre for Child Protection. Anyone with information on child exploitation is encouraged to contact local police or submit an anonymous tip at Cybertip.ca. If a child is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.
Quote from Law Enforcement
“Project Steel is a testament to the unwavering commitment of law enforcement across Ontario and Canada to protect children from exploitation. This operation shows what can be achieved when officers and digital specialists unite to pursue those who prey on the most vulnerable. We will not stop.”
– Det. Staff Sergeant Tim Brown, Provincial Internet Child Exploitation Strategy Lead
About the Provincial ICE Strategy
The Provincial Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Strategy is a coordinated effort involving the OPP’s Child Sexual Exploitation Unit, 25 municipal police services, the Ministry of the Attorney General (MAG), and the Ministry of the Solicitor General (SOLGEN). It provides a province-wide strategy to address the challenges of online child exploitation.
The participating police agencies include:
- Thunder Bay Police Service
- Ontario Provincial Police
- Toronto Police Service
- Peel Regional Police
- Durham Regional Police Service
- And 21 others across Ontario
