The individual lived in the St. Catharines area from 2015 to 2020, and investigators think there could be additional victims.
NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA POLICE SERVICE
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In April of 2026, detectives from the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit started looking into the creation and possession of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material (CSAEM). Throughout this investigation, they received support from members of the NRPS Child Abuse Unit (CAU) and the Sexual Assault Unit (SAU).
As a result of this collaborative investigation, a suspect from Peterborough was identified. On May 21, 2026, officers from the NRPS Child Abuse Unit and Sexual Assault Unit took 71-year-old Gordon Gould of Peterborough into custody for several Criminal Code violations:
Make Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material (x2) Possession of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material Voyeurism Sexual Assault (x3) Sexual Interference (x3) Invitation to Sexual Touching (x2) Exposing Genitals to a Person Under 16 Years (x3)
Gould was detained following his arrest and is scheduled for a bail hearing on May 22, 2026, at the Robert S. K. Welch Courthouse located at 59 Church Street in St. Catharines.
Investigators believe there may be more victims who haven’t come forward yet. Gould lived in St. Catharines between 2015 and 2020. He previously resided in Sudbury, Etobicoke, and other areas across Ontario. Since 2024, he has been living in Peterborough.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about this case or anyone who has interacted with GOULD in the past to reach out to the Niagara Regional Police Service’s Sexual Assault Unit at 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1009336.
The internet hosts numerous platforms that enable individuals with harmful intentions to connect with minors while creating, sharing, and storing Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material (CSAEM). Offenders attempting to exploit children using anonymous accounts can be traced and will face justice for their actions.
For further details on how parents and guardians can help keep children safe online CLICK HERE
The Niagara Regional Police Service collaborates with various agencies under the Provincial Strategy to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on the Internet while investigating Internet Child Exploitation Offences alongside Ontario Police Services as well as international partners. This initiative was made possible through funding from the Ministry of the Solicitor General.
If you wish to provide information anonymously, please contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara either online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards for tips leading to an arrest.
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