43-year-old Welland man accused of sharing child sexual abuse material on social media
06/25/2026 at 02:45 PMA 43-Year-Old Welland man is facing charges for possessing child sexual abuse and exploitation material charges.
Niagara Regional Police Service’s Internet Child Exploitation Unit started an investigation into the sexual exploitation of children earlier this month.
The investigation stemmed from two incidents of sharing .child sexual abuse material on a social media site on June 1st, 2026.
ICE detectives, along with the assistance of detectives with the Technological Crimes Unit, began a joint investigation into the incident and were able to identify a Welland resident as a suspect.
On June 25th, 2026, 43-year-old Michael Eldridge of Welland was arrested and charged with Possession of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material, Accessing Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material, and Making Available Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material.
Story and image credit: Bonnie Heslop
Trusted reporting, thoughtful conversation, and local insight delivered to your inbox.