In June 2022, Niagara Regional Police Service detectives assigned to the internet child exploitation unit and technological crimes unit, began an investigation surrounding the online sexual exploitation of children.
In March 2023, detectives executed a warrant authorized by the judiciary to search a residential address located in the east side of Fort Erie. Numerous electronic devices were seized, and a subsequent forensic examination was conducted, says a police news release.
On May 15, 2023, detectives identified Eric Michael Hagen, 54, of Fort Erie as a suspect and had grounds to believe he had committed the following Criminal Code offences:
• Possession of child pornography (two counts)
• Accessing child pornography
Detectives undertook steps to locate and arrest Hagen to no avail, resulting in an arrest warrant. He was added to Niagara’s Wanted List on May 24, 2023 in an attempt to solicit information from community members surrounding his whereabouts.
On May 30, as a result of the online published list, information was received that Hagen was at a residence located in the east side of Fort Erie. Detectives from te criminal investigative branch sought and received judicial authorization for a residential entry warrant. Hagen was located inside the residence and is alleged to have resisted officers during the pending arrest. As a result, Hagen is also charged with resisting arrest.
Mark Edward Latondress, 54, of Fort Erie was also at the residence at the time. He is believed by detectives to have been aiding Hagen in his attempts to avoid his pending arrest. As result, Latondress has been arrested and charged with accessory after the fact to commit an indictable offence
Hagen remains in police custody and is scheduled to attend a bail hearing later today (May 31) via video link to the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse in St. Catharines. Latondress has been released from custody and is scheduled to attend the Welland Courthouse, located at 102 East Main Street, in the City of Welland on Aug. 25, 2023.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the lead detective at 905-688-4111, option 3, ext. 1009172.
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.
As a result of the interaction at the time of the arrest with Hagen, the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has invoked their mandate. Additional media inquiries are to be directed to the SIU.
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 by a grant from the Ministry of the Solicitor General.
Members of the public can report suspicious Internet activities relating to child exploitation to the Niagara Regional Police Service, or online. Internet safety tips for parents, children and Internet users are also available on our website and as well as the Cybertip website.
