Members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Child Sexual Exploitation Unit, assisted by Digital Forensics, along with members of the Upper Ottawa Valley OPP detachment have arrested and charged a Petawawa man following an investigation of online child sexual exploitation.

Police say that on August 5, 2020, officers executed a search warrant at a residence in Petawawa, seizing several electronic exhibits for further examination.

As a result of this investigation, Conrad Clarence Welk, 59-years-old, was arrested and charged with two counts of Possession of Child Pornography, one count of Making Available Child Pornography and one count of Accessing Child Pornography.

The accused is next scheduled to appear on September 22, 2020, at the Ontario Court of Justice in Pembroke, Ontario.

Police say that “anyone wanting to make a difference is encouraged to go to www.protectchildren.ca to download the ‘Child Sexual Abuse – It Is Your Business’ brochure from the Canadian Center for Child Protection.”

“This is an important first step that can save a child.”

“Parents are reminded to take a proactive approach to help protect their children from online sexual exploitation by speaking with their children regarding internet safety.”

Parents and anyone interested in protecting children can find resources to assist them at www.cybertip.ca.

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