Gerry Hawes, a long-time local Liberal Party insider who ran unsuccessfully in Simcoe North for Justin Trudeau's team in the last federal election, is facing child pornography charges.
"It's quite shocking for the community, I'm sure," said Sgt. Jason Folz, who heads up communications for the OPP's Central Region.
He said members of the OPP's Child Sexual Exploitation Unit, Digital Forensic Unit, and Orillia OPP Detachment Crime Unit arrested and charged Hawes following a four-month investigation into possession of child sexual abuse material.
On May 5, 2020 police executed a search warrant at a residence in Orillia. On June 11, Hawes was arrested and charged:
Hawes, 58, is charged with possession of child pornography and accessing child pornography.
Folz said he could not provide any other information about this incident.
Hawes did not return a call seeking comment.
The accused is due to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Orillia on Aug. 25, 2020.
The Ontario Provincial Police will continue to aggressively identify and pursue individuals who use technology to exploit children.
Parents are reminded to take a proactive approach to help protect their children from online sexual exploitation by speaking with their children regarding internet safety. Parents can find resources to assist them at www.cybertip.ca.
If you have information regarding internet child exploitation and wish to provide information anonymously you can contact Crime Stoppers at www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca. Reporting information may also be made on the internet through www.cybertip.ca.
