Update – Child Exploitation – Port Hope Man Arrested for Luring Offences

In Police Blotter

Niagara Regional Police Service

In July 2019, members of the Internet Child Exploitation (I.C.E.) Unit engaged in a joint investigation initiated by members of the Durham Regional Police Service I.C.E. Unit.
As a result of the investigation, on August 14th, 2019 with the assistance of the Port Hope Police Service Criminal Investigation Bureau (C.I.B.), 32 year old Ralph SWEENEY of Port Hope, Ontario was arrested and charged with the following offences:
1) Lure a Child, contrary to section 172.1(1)(a) of the Criminal Code; communicate with a person who is under the age of 18 for the purpose of facilitating an offence under subsection 163.1 with respect to that person; Make Child Pornography.
2)Lure a Child, contrary to section 172.1(1)(a) of the Criminal Code; communicate with a person who is under the age of 18 for the purpose of facilitating an offence under subsection 153(1) with respect to that person; Sexual Exploitation.
3) Making Sexually Explicit Material Available to a Child contrary to section 171.1(1)(a) of the Criminal Code; communicate with a person who is under the age of 18 for the purpose of facilitating an offence under subsection 153(1) with respect to that person; Sexual Exploitation
SWEENEY has been held in custody, pending a bail hearing scheduled for August 15th, 2019 at the Robert S. K. Welch Courthouse, 59 Church Street, in the City of St. Catharines.
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 numerous Ontario Police Services. This investigative initiative has been made possible with financial assistance from the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services and the Ministry of the Attorney General. Members of the public can report suspicious Internet activities relating to child exploitation to the Niagara Regional Police Service, or online at www.cybertip.ca . Internet safety tips for parents, children and Internet users are also available on the Cybertip website.
Pete Fisher
Author: Pete Fisher

Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love

Join Our Newsletter!

Want to keep up to date on news and events in Northumberland? Subscribe to newsletter!

You may also read!

Video – Photo Gallery – Rainy Day for the Annual Northumberland County Plowing Match

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7gTjoez9uU The Northumberland County Plowing Match was held on Saturday, October 11, 2025. The annual event was held at the farm

Read More...

Video – Music, Fun and Friends at the Annual Queenies Bake Shop Thanksgiving Meal in Port Hope

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xxtd9CZ64lk Queenies Bake Shop in Port Hope held their 14th annual Thanksgiving meal on Sunday, October 12, 2025. Starting at noon,

Read More...

Video – Salmon Making Their Way Through Port Hope

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VotV2lTvNmQ It was a busy and beautiful day in Port Hope on Sunday, October 12, 2025. Parking spots were at a

Read More...

Mobile Sliding Menu