Lanark County man charged in online child sexual exploitation investigation

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have arrested and charged a man from Lanark County as the result of an online child sexual exploitation investigation.

According to police, officers executed a search warrant at a residence in Lanark County on Thursday, Mar. 2, 2023. Several electronic devices were seized, the OPP said in a press release the following day. As a result, Jeff Noonan, 38, of Lanark County was arrested and charged with:

• Accessing child pornography
• Importing child pornography

Noonan was held for a bail hearing, according to the OPP, though police did not say when that bail hearing was to take place.

“Children are our most valuable and precious members of society. Many victims of child sexual abuse are so young that they cannot tell their story. Every time an image or video depicting that abuse is shared, that child is re-victimized. Members of the OPP Child Sexual Exploitation Unit will continue to pursue individuals who exploit children on the internet,” the OPP said.

“Parents are reminded to take a proactive approach to help protect their children from online sexual exploitation by speaking with their children regarding internet safety. Parents and anyone interested in protecting children can find resources to assist them at www.cybertip.ca.

Anyone with information regarding internet child exploitation can share that information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or online at www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca. Information can also be reported online at www.cybertip.ca.