On Friday, July 4th, 2025, members from the Belleville Police Service Internet Child Exploitation Unit (ICE) and Emergency Response Unit (ERU) arrested a 46-year-old male from the Peterborough area as a result of a child luring investigation.
The male suspect had been operating in online chatrooms under the username “Peterboroguy”.
As a result of the investigation, Jeffery Merrick, of Peterborough, was arrested and charged with two counts of luring a person under 16, one count of making written child pornography and one count of invitation to sexual touching. He is being held for a bail hearing.
Police are aware that Merrick is the head coach of at least two U18 girls’ sports teams in the Peterborough and Cavan areas and are concerned there may be other victims.
Possible victims or anyone with information in regard to this investigation are asked to contact D/Cst. Lacey Montgomery of the BPS ICE Unit at lmontgomery@bellevilleps.ca.
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
