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5 York Region residents charged in joint child sex abuse project

Charges were laid against 107 people in October through Project Maverick, a joint provincial police project combating child sexual abuse and exploitation

Five York Region residents have been charged through Project Maverick, a joint provincewide police project combating child sexual abuse and exploitation.

In the month of October alone, 107 people were charged as part of the project. Regionally that includes:

  • James Fraser, 53, of Stouffville, who was charged with accessing child pornography
  • Michael Pilato, 65, of Richmond Hill, who was charged with possession of child pornography, accesing child pornogrpahy, and making child pornography available
  • Nicholas Cooper, 43, of Aurora, who was charged with distribution of child pornography, possession of child pornography, accessing child pornography, and three counts of failing to comply with a recognizance
  • Mark O’Dowd, 36, of Vaughan, who is charged with making child pornography, making child pornography available, possession of child pornography, accessing child pornography, luring a child under 18, and extortion
  • Dimitre Filios, 20, of Vaughan, who is charged with making available child pornography, possessing child pornography, and accessing child pornography

This is part of the Provincial Strategy to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on the Internet. Investigations were carried out by 27 police services including York Regional Police.

In total there were 255 investigations, 168 search warrants executed and 1,032 devices seized. There were 428 charges laid against 107 people. Investigators identified 61 victims and referred them to appropriate services, while 60 additional children were safeguarded.

“These numbers are shocking, but they provide hope by showing the lengths our teams are willing to go to protect children. I would like to express gratitude for the hard work of the provincial strategy members, and our partners, in keeping children in this province safe and holding those who want to harm them accountable,” said Ontario Provincial Police Chief Supt. Kari Dart.

There are 175 investigations still ongoing and more charges could be laid.



Elizabeth Keith

About the Author: Elizabeth Keith

Elizabeth Keith is a general assignment reporter. She graduated from Carleton University with a Bachelor of Journalism in 2017. Elizabeth is passionate about telling local stories and creating community.
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