Mississauga man arrested for allegedly using social media to lure children
Halton Regional Police have made an arrest in the investigation of a man who allegedly attempted to lure children through social media.
Law enforcement said the suspect used a variety of social media applications and multiple online identities.
On June 10, members of the Halton Regional Police Service Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit commenced an online investigation utilizing a number of social media platforms.
As a result of this investigation 58-year-old, Ralph Capitelli of Mississauga was arrested on July 16 and has been charged with luring, invitation to sexual touching, and making sexually explicit material available to a child.
Capitelli allegedly used multiple online identities, including the names:
- Youngr
- jaybird140
- J
- RJ
The investigation also revealed that the accused has previously identified himself using a different surname (Ralph Capitello).
See also
- Man posed as ride share driver arrested for alleged sexual assault of 21-year-old passenger
- Police arrest 1 man in connection to violent sexual assault in King Street condo
- 5 people charged after woman allegedly lured into sex-trade over online dating site
Investigators said Capitelli was held pending a bail hearing.
Anyone who may have any additional information pertaining to this investigation is asked to contact Detective/Sergent Chris Newcombe at 905-465-8965 or Detective Todd Martin at 905-465-8983 of the Halton Regional Police ICE Unit.
Authorities are now reminding parents of the importance of monitoring their child’s online social media presence and having a conversation with them about internet safety and the disclosure of personal information.
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