St. Catharines man arrested for sexually assaulting youth he met online

Edmonton… A cross-Canada investigation between ALERT’s Internet Child Exploitation unit and the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) has led to charges against a St. Catharines, Ont. man, and police believe there may be additional victims.

ICE alleges the suspect sexually assaulted an underage youth that he met via the internet. The victim was lured and groomed online before the two met in Edmonton, where she was forced into performing degrading sexual acts. Photos and videos of the offences were later posted online.

The alleged offences took place in Edmonton, Burlington, and St. Catharines and occurred over a period of several years, roughly 2012 and 2014. ICE has reason to believe other victims exist in those communities.

“What our victim endured is sickening and she displayed remarkable courage in coming forward. ICE is hoping other woman can muster the same strength; to contact police, to get help, and ensure no one else has to suffer in the same manner,” – Cpl. Dave Knight, ALERT ICE.

Jason Anderson, 41, was arrested by Niagara Regional Police on April 29, 2021 and has since been transported to Alberta. He has been charged with sexual assault, assault, sexual exploitation, and making child pornography.

Anderson appeared in a Calgary court on May 4, 2021 and was released on a cash bail under a number of conditions.

The investigation dates back to 2018 and is ongoing. The two agencies are working together to explore the possibility of additional victims in both provinces.

ICE is also looking to identify and speak with potential victims and witnesses. Anyone with information about this investigation is encouraged to call:

• In Alberta – ALERT ICE: 780-509-3363;
• In Ontario – Niagara Regional Police Service: (905) 329-8354 ext. 1009128;
• Local police agency;
• Or anonymously at cybertip.ca.