Belleville police have arrested a Peterborough man, as part of an investigation into online child luring.
Officers from the Belleville Police Service Internet Child Exploitation Unit (ICE) and Emergency Response Unit made the arrest on Friday. The male suspect had been operating in online chatrooms under the username “Peterboroguy.”
Jeffery Merrick, age 46, was arrested and charged with two counts of luring a person under 16, one count of making written child pornography and one count of invitation to sexual touching.
The accused is being held for a bail hearing.
Police are aware that the suspect coached at least two U18 girls’ sports teams in the Peterborough and Cavan areas and are concerned there may be other victims.
Possible victims or anyone with information in regard to this investigation are asked to contact D/Cst. Lacey Montgomery of the Belleville Police ICE Unit.
