Sault man, youth accused of distributing child pornography

CITY POLICE

NEWS RELEASES

************************* Pornography investigation conducted by Ontario Provincial Police child sexual exploitation section and the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service technological crimes unit results in two arrests

In the month of March 2011, members of the Ontario Provincial Police child sexual exploitation section began conducting online investigations into the distribution of child pornography on the Internet from suspects in the Sault Ste. Marie area.

On April 5, officers from the Ontario Provincial Police child sexual exploitation section and electronic crimes section as well as members from the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service technological crime unit, emergency services unit and patrol services executed three Criminal Code search warrants within the City of Sault Ste. Marie.

As a result of these warrants, two computers were seized as well as other pieces of digital media and two persons were arrested and charged.

Carmelo Cuglietta, age 45, of 332 Cheshire Road and a 17-year-old youth are each charged with counts of possession of child pornography and making available child pornography.

Both males are to appear in bail court this morning.

The Ontario Provincial Police and the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service are members of the Provincial Strategy to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on the Internet, made possible by a grant from the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services.

In the third investigation, officers discovered that the home’s wireless Internet was not secure and was being accessed by an unauthorized user, this investigation is continuing.

The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service is reminding the public to ensure that their wireless Internet connections are secured with password protection.

Wireless Internet signals often extend beyond the property boundaries of a residence and are accessible to others — such as neighbours or even someone parked near by the residence with a laptop computer.

************************* Failing to appear in court

Officers with the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service arrested 42-year-old Daniel Pittendrigh of 2917 Base Line yesterday morning at the police station on an outstanding warrant.

He was charged with one count of failing to appear in court.

He has been scheduled to appear in court on the 9th of May.

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