Perth resident facing child pornography charges

OPP have charged a Perth man following a child sexual exploitation investigation.

Members of the OPP Child Sexual Exploitation Unit executed a search warrant at a residence in Perth on May 13 with assistance from Lanark County OPP and the OPP Digital Forensics Unit, according to a Tuesday, May 19 media release.

Police say several electronic devices were seized during the investigation.

As a result, Brendan Kelly, 42, of Perth, has been charged with:

• two counts of possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material
• one count of making child sexual abuse and exploitation material available

Charges have not been proven in court.

The suspect was released following a bail hearing and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Perth on June 15.

“The OPP will continue to identify and pursue individuals who use technology to exploit children,” police say in the release. “Parents are reminded to take a proactive approach to help protect their children from online sexual exploitation by educating their children on internet safety.”

Parents are encouraged to take a proactive approach to internet safety and online exploitation prevention. Resources are available through Cybertip.ca and ProtectChildren.ca.

Anyone with information related to the investigation or online child exploitation is asked to contact OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.