UPDATED MEDIA RELEASE:

The Waterloo Regional Police Service, with the assistance from the Thunder Bay Police Service and the Halton Regional Police Service, has laid additional charges in connection to an ongoing investigation. 

As a result of the ongoing investigation, Benjamin Haden, 24, of Georgetown, was additionally charged on July 13, 2026, with:

• Make Sexually Explicit Material Available to a Child
• Possession of Child Sexual Assault and Exploitation Material 
• Making Child Sexual Assault and Exploitation Material (five counts)
• Luring a Child Under 16 Years (six counts)

Members of the WRPS' Cybercrime – Internet Child Exploitation Unit believe there may be additional adult and child victims and ask anyone with information to contact Waterloo Regional Police Service. 

He is known to use other names and aliases with his victims. Some he has used include:

Usernames: Haroldkumar2321, Haroldkumar1120, Haroldkumar1121, bradley232114

Aliases: Ben, Benji, Harold, Jacob, Bradley, Brett, Emma, Katie

He frequently contacted the same individuals using different names and often initiated conversation by falsely claiming to have found the person’s phone number written in a public location. In some instances, he also offered vape pods, alcohol, or drugs in exchange for sexual services.  

The Waterloo Regional Police Service remains committed to protecting children and preventing further victimization in both local and online communities. WRPS is a proud member of the Ontario Provincial Strategy to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on the Internet, supported through a grant by the Ministry of the Solicitor General.

Victim Services of Waterloo Region provides immediate crisis intervention, emotional support and referrals to individuals affected by crime and tragic circumstances. To be connected with Victim Services, please call 519-585-2363 or visit https://www.vswr.ca/

Anyone with information is asked to contact Waterloo Regional Police at 519-570-9777, extension 8397 or 8264. 

PREVIOUS MEDIA RELEASE:

The Waterloo Regional Police Service’s Cybercrime – Internet Child Exploitation Unit, in partnership with the Thunder Bay Police Service, has charged a Waterloo male as part of an investigation.

On March 13, 2026, officers completed two search warrants at residences in Waterloo and Georgetown. 

As a result of the investigation, a 24-year-old Waterloo male was arrested and charged with the following offences:

• Making Child Sexual Assault and Exploitation Material
• Possession of Child Sexual Assault and Exploitation Material
• Invitation to Sexual Touching
• Making Sexually Explicit Material Available to a Child
• Luring a Child Under 16 Years (two counts)

The accused was held for a bail hearing.

The Waterloo Regional Police Service is a member of the Ontario Provincial Strategy to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on the Internet. This initiative is supported by a grant from the Ministry of the Solicitor General.