Police say that earlier in May, members of the Niagara Regional Police Service, Child Abuse Unit and the Internet Child Exploitation (I.C.E) Unit commenced an investigation into the possible sexual exploitation of children within the Niagara Region.
Today Richard McSween, 46, of Niagara Falls, was arrested and charged with the following alleged offences:
- Luring a Child under the age of 18 years contrary to section 172.1(a) Criminal Code of Canada for the purpose of facilitating the commission of an offence with respect to that person under subsection 163.1 (Make/Distribute/Access Child Pornography)
- Make Child Pornography in the written form contrary to section 163.1(2) Criminal Code of Canada.
- Distribute Child Pornography in the written form contrary to section 163.1(3) Criminal Code of Canada.
The investigation has revealed that McSween has been an active volunteer in minor hockey in Niagara Falls. Investigators are concerned that there are unidentified victims and/or witnesses in the community.
Out of a concern for public safety the following on-line usernames that have been identified as being associated with McSween are being released:
"TTR GONGSHOW"
"Tow Truck Rick"
"Rick Tow Truck"
Police are requesting that members of the public forward any information related to illegal, suspicious, or inappropriate telecommunications or interactions between McSween and anyone under the age of 18.
Anyone with information is asked to contact investigators at 905-688-4111 extension 5100. Voicemail messages left over weekends with be returned during traditional business hours.
