Port Colborne Man Arrested in Child Protection Investigation
In May of 2026, detectives with Niagara Regional Police Service’s (NRPS) Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit became involved in an investigation related to the protection of children online. After a thorough investigation by members of the NRPS ICE Unit, a Port Colborne resident was identified as the suspect.
On Tuesday, August 11, 2026, detectives from the ICE Unit and the Technological Crimes Unit executed a search warrant at a Port Colborne residence, and arrested 42-year-old Joseph Franklin CRAWFORD of Port Colborne for the following Criminal Code offences:
- Fail to Comply with Release Order Section 145(5)(a) CC
- Fail to Comply with Prohibition Order Section 161(1)(b) CC
CRAWFORD was held in custody after his arrest and is set to appear for a bail hearing on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse, located at 59 Church Street, in the City of St. Catharines.
Detectives in the NRPS ICE Unit believe that Joseph CRAWFORD has been active in an online tutor capacity for some time. Detectives are requesting if anyone has any contact or information regarding Joseph CRAWFORD, please contact 905-688-4111 extension 1009128.
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.
NRPS Incident #26-57111