Fonthill man arrested in child exploitation material investigation: NRPS

A 46-year-old Fonthill man is in custody after Niagara Regional Police executed a search warrant at a Pelham-area residence and arrested him in connection with an investigation into child sexual abuse and exploitation material.

Andrew Joseph Pineault was arrested on Oct. 8, 2026, by detectives from the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit and the Technological Crime Unit after a search warrant was executed at a Fonthill residence, according to the Niagara Regional Police Service.

The investigation began in August 2026, when ICE Unit detectives started looking into the possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material. Police say a male suspect from Fonthill was identified as a result.

Following a digital forensic examination conducted at the scene, Pineault was arrested for Criminal Code offences related to the investigation, police said.

He was held in custody after his arrest and was scheduled to appear for a bail hearing on Oct. 8, 2026, at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse at 59 Church Street in St. Catharines.

In its release, the police service warned that online platforms that allow users to engage with minors and to create, share and store child sexual abuse and exploitation material are widespread on the internet. The service said offenders who attempt to lure children behind anonymous accounts on different platforms can be identified and will be held accountable.

The NRPS is a member of the Provincial Strategy to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on the Internet, and investigates internet child exploitation offences in partnership with Ontario police services and international partners. The initiative is funded through a grant from the Ministry of the Solicitor General.

Anyone with information related to the incident is asked to contact the NRPS Internet Child Exploitation Unit at 905-688-4111. Tips can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Niagara, online or by phone at 1-800-222-8477, which offers cash rewards for information leading to an arrest.