Waterloo Regional Police Service investigators have laid additional child‑exploitation charges against a 24‑year‑old man from Georgetown, part of an active multi‑jurisdictional inquiry that included search warrants executed in March.
Charges and investigation partners
On July 13, police charged the accused, identified as Benjamin Haden, with a suite of offences under the Criminal Code related to child sexual material and online luring. Agencies involved in the investigation include the Waterloo Regional Police Service, Thunder Bay Police Service and Halton Police.
| Offence | Count |
|---|---|
| Making child sexual assault and exploitation material | 5 |
| Luring a child under 16 years | 6 |
| Make sexually explicit material available to a child; Possession of child sexual assault and exploitation material | 1 each |
Earlier in the investigation, police executed search warrants on March 13 at residences in Waterloo and Georgetown. That action led to the arrest of a man from Waterloo who faced related charges and was held for a bail hearing.
Alleged methods and potential victims
Investigators say Haden used multiple online usernames and aliases to contact people, sometimes posing under a range of given names. Reported aliases include:
- Haroldkumar2321, Haroldkumar1120, Haroldkumar1121
- bradley232114
- Ben, Benji, Harold, Jacob, Bradley, Brett, Emma and Katie
Police allege the accused would often reach out to the same individuals using different identities and sometimes claim he had found a person’s phone number publicly to initiate contact. In some instances, investigators say he offered vape pods, alcohol or drugs in exchange for sexual services.
Calls for other victims and supports
Anyone with information or who believes they may have been a victim is asked to contact the Waterloo Regional Police Service.
Police have indicated there may be additional adult and child victims. Victim Services of Waterloo Region is available to provide crisis intervention and referrals to those affected.
The accused remains the subject of the ongoing investigation. No further details about court dates or bail conditions were released by investigators at the time of the latest charges.
