Niagara police have arrested a 50-year-old Toronto man following a child exploitation investigation spanning nearly a year.
The investigation, led by Niagara’s Internet Child Exploitation Unit (ICE), began in March 2025 as a “proactive undercover” probe into a suspect allegedly using the internet to connect with children for a sexual purpose.
In February 2026, the unit partnered with the Peel Regional Police Internet Child Exploitation Unit after determining the same suspect was continuing to use online platforms to meet children for a sexual purpose.
On Feb. 24, police say they arrested and charged 50-year-old Joseph Michael Mortillaro, of Toronto.
He has been charged with two counts of luring a child via telecommunication to facilitate sexual interference and one count of harassing communications.
Police allege Mortillaro used the usernames “DadOfTwo” and “Mike” on online platforms to commit offences against children.
He remains in custody and is scheduled to attend a bail hearing on Wednesday in St. Catharines.
The charges have not been tested in court.
Investigators say they believe there may be additional victims and are asking anyone with additional information to come forward and contact police.
