Brampton Man Arrested for Child Luring

On January 12, 2026, members of the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) Internet Child Exploitation Unit (I.C.E.) commenced an online investigation utilizing a number of social media platforms. 

As a result of this investigation on April 16, 2026, Joseph Hunter (61) of Brampton was arrested and charged with the following: 

•          Luring a Child Under 16 Years of Age (2 Counts)
•          Making Sexually Explicit Material Available to a Child
•          Possession of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material
•          Making Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material
•          Invitation to Sexual Touching

Hunter was held in custody pending a bail hearing in Milton.

The accused was also the subject of a similar investigation with Hamilton Police Service which contributed to the criminal charges.

It should be noted that the accused used a number of social media applications, and utilized the user name "joel20261443”.

Halton Regional Police Service reminds parents of the importance of monitoring your child's online social media presence, and having a conversation with them about internet safety and the disclosure of personal information. 

These investigations have been funded and made possible through a grant from the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services.

Investigators are concerned there may be more victims and are requesting anyone who may have been victimized by the accused, or anyone who my have additional information pertaining to this investigation to contact D/Cst Barger at 905-825-4747 ext. 8974 of the Halton Regional Police Internet Child Exploitation Unit.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. "See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers" at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.

Media Inquiries:
Halton Regional Police Service
Media Relations
Phone: 905-825-4899
Email: corpcomm@haltonpolice.ca