43-Year-Old Welland Man Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material Charges
In June of 2026, detectives with the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit commenced an investigation into the sexual exploitation of children.
The investigation stemmed from approximately two incidents of sharing Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material (CSAEM) over a social media platform on June 1, 2026.
ICE detectives, along with the assistance of detectives with the Technological Crimes Unit, began a joint investigation into the incident and were able to identify a Welland resident as a suspect.
On June 25, 2026, 43-year-old Michael ELDRIDGE of Welland was arrested and charged with the following offences.
- Possession of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material
- Accessing Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material
- Making Available Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material
ELDRIDGE remains in custody pending a bail hearing which is scheduled to take place on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse, located at 59 Church Street, St. Catharines, Ontario.
Online platforms that allow like-minded users to engage with minors, create, share, and store Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material (CSAEM) are prevalent on the Internet. Offenders who attempt to lure children behind anonymous accounts on different platforms can be identified and will be held accountable for their actions.
For more information on how parents and guardians can keep children safe online CLICK HERE
The Niagara Regional Police Service is a member of the Provincial Strategy to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on the Internet and conducts investigations into Internet Child Exploitation Offences in partnership with Ontario Police Services and International Partners. This investigative initiative has been made possible by a grant from the Ministry of the Solicitor General.
Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information that leads to an arrest.
Incident #26-67694