Police say a Toronto man and a Markham woman have been arrested and charged in connection with a child pornography investigation.
Investigators say they were first altered to the alleged abuse through an anonymous tip by a member of the public and carried out a search warrant in the Sherbourne and Wellesley area on March 4.
Police told reporters at a news conference on Thursday that the alleged abuse took place in Toronto and elsewhere in Ontario and dates back to January 2011.
However police said they were not sure if there was sustained abuse over that period of time.
Matthew Wilson, 31, is facing 19 charges including sexual assault, making child pornography, luring and invitation to sexual touching.
Officials say the male suspect allegedly met and exploited victims under the age of 16 both online and in person.
Det. Const. Janelle Blackadar said the suspect also allegedly made an online agreement with a third party to commit sexual interference on a person under the age of 16.
Sadia Waezzadah, 28, is facing three charges including sexual assault, sexual interference and possession of child pornography.
Officials say the two suspects did have a past relationship but the exact nature of the relationship is unclear.
Police allege the abuse took place over various social media websites but would not specify which sites were involved.
Investigators say there are currently two complainants under the age of 16 connected to the case but would not reveal their age or gender.
Blackadar told reporters that there may be other victims and urged the public to come forward with any information.
She also urged parents to be alert of their children’s online activity.
“In this day and age parents really need to be aware of the digital devices children are using such as smart phones and other portable devices that can access the Internet, websites and other chat programs,” she said.
“All of this availability of digital technology to children unfortunately puts them at risk and makes them vulnerable to online predators.”
Waezzadah is scheduled to appear at a Toronto court on March 10 while Wilson will make an appearance March 7.
