43-Year-Old Welland Man Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material Charges
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In June of 2026, detectives with the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit commenced an investigation into the sexual exploitation of children.
The investigation stemmed from approximately two incidents of sharing Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material (CSAEM) over a social media platform on June 1, 2026.
ICE detectives, along with the assistance of detectives with the Technological Crimes Unit, began a joint investigation into the incident and were able to identify a Welland resident as a suspect.
On June 25, 2026, 43-year-old Michael ELDRIDGE of Welland was arrested and charged with the following offences.
- Possession of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material
- Accessing Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material
- Making Available Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material
ELDRIDGE remains in custody pending a bail hearing which is scheduled to take place on Thursday, June 25, 2026.