St. Catharines man charged with luring 14-year-old online
Published April 6, 2024 at 11:01 am
A man from St. Catharines has been charged with allegedly luring a 14-year-old to a meeting via the internet.
According to Niagara Regional Police, a man began to speak with someone he believed was a 14-year-old girl through an unspecified social media platform in March (2024.) Police confirm the exchanges were for a sexual purpose.
The Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit launched an investigation with assistance from Niagara police. The two services worked together to identify a suspect; Adam John Reginald Smelser, 37, of St. Catharines.
On Friday (April 6) police executed a search warrant at a private residence in the City of St. Catharines and seized devices capable of storing electronic data.
Investigators say Smelser was located within the residence and arrested on charges of child luring and making sexually explicit material available to a minor.
Officials believe he used the pseudonyms “Adam Sterling and asterling7615.”
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Smelser was held in custody after his arrest and is set to appear for a bail hearing on April 5, at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse located at 59 Church Street in the City of St. Catharines.
Police have not released an image of Smelser to the public at this time.
The Niagara Regional Police stated, “This arrest showcases the dedication of our members in protecting our community’s most vulnerable,” emphasizing their unwavering commitment to safeguarding children from internet predators and asserting a zero-tolerance policy for such actions in the region.
Individuals who have information relating to Smelser are asked to contact the Niagara Regional Police Service at 905-688-4111.
Anyone who wishes to provide information anonymously is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477.
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