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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday November 8, 2008 - 9 Halton undercover officer helps ICE suspected Internet child predator A 23-year-old Richmond Hill man is facing several child luring related charges after a police Internet investigation concluded this week. Police said a man came to the attention of the Halton Police Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit in October when his activities drew the attention of an undercover officer who is dedicated to policing Internet chat rooms. Detective Grant Wilkinson, of the ICE unit, said a two-week online investigation followed during which time a suspect chatted with the undercover officer. The investigation ended with the execution of a search warrant at a Richmond Hill home by members of the Halton Regional Police Service and the York Regional Police Service. A quantity of computer equipment was seized and is currently being forensically analyzed by the Technological Crimes Unit. The Richmond Hill man has been charged with two counts of Internet luring, one count of attempting invitation to sexual touching and one count of attempted indecent exposure. Police said they are not releasing the man's name for investigative reasons. The Halton Regional Police have no immediate safety concerns for individuals, who may have engaged in chats with the Richmond Hill man, but are reminding chat room users to practice safe Internet usage and report any unusual or dangerous chats with strangers. The Halton Regional Police Service is continuing to investigate these incidents. Anyone with information related to them, is asked to contact the Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Unit at 905-825-4777 or 905634-1831, ext. 5237 or by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222 TIPS (8477). Emmitt & Pat Smith