SUDBURY -- A 31-year-old Greater Sudbury man has been released on bail after being arrested on Tuesday for several child pornography offences following two separate investigations flagged by RCMP.

In late 2019, Greater Sudbury Police Services' Internet Child Exploitation Unit took over two investigations from RCMP into child pornography being distributed in the city.

After months of investigation, Sudbury policed carried out a search warrant at a local residence, where several computers and storage devices were seized.

Police said in a news release, based on the investigations, the information provided by patrol officers and gathered at the home, the accused was arrested and charged with:

  • Possession of Child Pornography x3
  • Distribution of Child Pornography x2
  • Access Child Pornography x2

His name will not be released in order to protect the identity of child victims.

The man attended bail court on Aug. 12 to answer to the charges.

Kaitlyn Dunn, corporate communications coordinator for Greater Sudbury Police Service tells CTV News that the accused has been granted bail after attending court on Wednesday.

She said his release conditions are extensive and some include:

  • To not be in the company of or communicate, directly or indirectly with any person under the age of 16 years
  • To not attend a public park or swimming area where persons under the age of 16 are present or can reasonably be expected to be present, or daycare centre, school ground, playground or community centre
  • To not possess or use any computer or computer components or cellular telephone, equipped and activated with internet or web capabilities
  • To not possess any hard drives or electronic storage containers
  • To not access the internet from any public or private facility
  • To not subscribe, use or access any social networking sites 

None of the charges has been proven in court.

The accused's first court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 18.

If you think that someone might be at risk of sexual violence, you can help by:

  • getting them to a safe space

  • asking the person directly if they need help or if they would like you to stay with them

If someone tells you about an incident that sounds like sexual assault, listen to them and believe them. It is important that they are in control of what happens next. You can offer them options and resources but allow them to make their own choices.