Bath resident facing child pornography charges
Members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Child Sexual Exploitation Unit, Digital Forensics Unit and Lennox & Addington County OPP have arrested and charged a Bath resident following a child sexual exploitation investigation.
On Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021, police executed a search warrant at a home in Bath and seized several electronic devices, according to a release from OPP. As a result of this investigation, Richard Moniz, 46-years-old, was arrested and charged with the following:
- One count of accessing child pornography
- One count of make available child pornography
Moniz was released from custody following a bail hearing and is scheduled to appear in court in January 2022, at the Ontario Court of Justice in Napanee.
“The importance of protecting our children, cannot be understated. I encourage all members of the community to educate themselves on the dangers children can face online” stated Detective Superintendent Tina Chalk of the Criminal Investigation Services, Ontario Provincial Police.
OPP said that anyone wanting to make a difference is encouraged to go to www.protectchildren.ca and download the “Child Sexual Abuse- It Is Your Business” brochure from the Canadian Center for Child Protection. According to the release, this is an important first step that can save a child.
On social media, Moniz lists himself as a Custodian with the Limestone District School Board (LDSB).
On Friday, Dec. 17, 2021, the LDSB released a statement regarding the charges.
“The Limestone District School Board has learned that an employee at Amherstview Public School has been arrested by the Ontario Provincial Police and charged with offences under the Criminal Code of Canada relating to child pornography,” the statement read.
“The Board will cooperate in the police investigation. While the investigation is ongoing, we do not believe that any students are directly affected,” the Board said.
“We know this news will come as a shock to the school community. Staff from Educational Services are available to assist staff and students who may find themselves in need of support.”
According to the LDSB, the staff member has been placed on an administrative leave of absence. The Board said it cannot provide further comment because the matter is currently under police investigation.
Police are asking anyone who may have information regarding this investigation or regarding internet child exploitation, to please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca. Reporting information may also be made on the internet through www.cybertip.ca.