Thunder Bay man arrested on child pornography charges

THUNDER BAY – A 31-year-old man is facing child pornography charges after an investigation by Thunder Bay Police Service’s cyber crime unit.

Police say their investigation began in September after receiving a report of a local internet user who was believed to have been sharing files containing child sexual abuse earlier in 2024.

Police executed a search warrant last month, with the assistance of the community-oriented response and engagement unit, and an electronic device was seized.

As a result, the accused was arrested on Nov. 5.

Austin Rilett of Thunder Bay was charged with possession of child pornography and accessing child pornography.

The accused appeared in court on Tuesday and was remanded into custody with a future court date.