Online child luring investigation leads to arrest of Niagara Falls man

On Aug. 3, 2023, Niagara Regional Police detectives executed a search warrant at a residence in Niagara Falls and seized several electronic devices used in the commission of an offence, a police news release says.

As a result of this investigation, Jeffrey Sims (42 years) of Niagara Falls was arrested and is now facing the following Criminal Code charges:
    •    Luring a child via telecommunication to facilitate the offence of sexual interference
    •    Exposure to a person under 16-years of age
    •    Luring a child via telecommunication to facilitate the offence of make child pornography

Sims was held in custody after his arrest and was to appear for a bail hearing in St. Catharines.

The Niagara Regional Police Service 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.

Note: Proactive Undercover Investigation – Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit detectives receive specialized undercover training from the Canadian Police College to interact with online suspects who believe they are communicating with young persons for a sexual purpose.  Undercover online investigations relating to internet child exploitation are complex and should not be undertaken by members of the public who could put themselves in legal jeopardy.