In August 2024, Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) Detectives assigned to the Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit began a proactive investigation to target people in our community who use the Internet to connect and meet with children for a sexual purpose. 

Over a month-long period, Robert Darryl DAVIS (59-years-old) of Welland Ontario used the Internet to converse with a person who he believed to be a 14-year-old female.  During these “text” conversations he committed the offence of:

  • Luring a child via telecommunication to facilitate the offence of Sexual Interference

On September 7th, 2024, Robert Darryl DAVIS attended a pre-arranged location to meet someone who he believed to be a 14-year-old female for a sexual purpose.  Detectives from the Internet Child Exploitation Unit were waiting for his arrival and placed him under arrest.    

Robert Darryl DAVIS was held in custody after his arrest and is set to appear for a bail hearing on September 8th, 2024, at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse, located at 59 Church Street, in the City of St. Catharines.

Detectives have reason to believe that Robert Darryl DAVIS was using online platforms with the username “Jim or Jimmy Wilson” and “Mike Wilson” to commit offences against other children on the Internet.  If you have information relating to this person, please contact the Niagara Regional Police Service at 905-688-4111 referencing incident number 2024-100286.

Detective Sergeant Jason Myers – Officer in Charge – NRPS Internet Child Exploitation Unit states:

“This arrest showcases the dedication of our members in ensuring some of the most vulnerable members of our community are protected, sending a strong message that the predatory behaviors associated with using the Internet to lure children for a sexual purpose will not be tolerated in Niagara.”

For more information on how parents and guardians can keep children safe online CLICK HERE

The Niagara Regional Police Service is a member of the Provincial Strategy to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on the Internet and conducts investigations into Internet Child Exploitation Offences in partnership with Ontario Police Services and International Partners. This investigative initiative has been made possible by a grant from the Ministry of the Solicitor General.

Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information that leads to an arrest.

Incident #24-100286