Espanola man charged following child luring and sexual assault investigation
A 21-year-old Espanola man faces sexual assault and luring charges after Wikwemikong Police safely located a missing youth under 16 in his vehicle.
News
WIIKWEMKOONG 鈥 July 22, 2026 - A 21-year-old Espanola man is facing several criminal charges following an investigation by the Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service (WTPS) after a female under the age of 16 was reported missing.
With video footage provided by Wikwemikong Security and Surveillance, at approximately 1:22 a.m. on July 21, 2026, WTPS stopped a vehicle entering the community. The youth was located safely inside the vehicle, and the driver was arrested.
In the interest of public safety, the name of the accused is Gagendeep, 21, of Espanola.
The accused has been charged with:
- Possession of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material
- Sexual Assault
- Luring a Person Under 16 Years of Age by Means of Telecommunication
- Sexual Interference
- Invitation to Sexual Touching
The accused was held in custody for a Show Cause hearing.
WTPS obtained a warrant to search an Espanola residence with the assistance of the Ontario Provincial Police. Several exhibits were located and seized.
"These allegations are extremely serious and involve the exploitation of a young person,鈥 stated Ron Gignac, Chief of Police, WTPS. 鈥淭he safety and well-being of our youth remain a top priority for WTPS. We recognize the significant harm that child sexual abuse and online luring can cause to victims, families, and the community. We commend the officers and our partner agencies for their swift actions in safely locating the youth.鈥
WTPS encourages anyone who has information relevant to this investigation, or who believes they may have been victimized by the accused, to contact the Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service at 705-370-3141. Anyone wishing to provide information anonymously may contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
The Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service is reminding parents, guardians, and youth to exercise caution when communicating with individuals online. Offenders may use social media platforms, messaging applications, gaming communities, and other online forums to build trust with young people before attempting to exploit them. Youth should be cautious when interacting with strangers online, never share personal information, photos, or their location with someone they do not know, and should immediately report any conversations that make them feel uncomfortable or unsafe to a trusted adult.
Support for Survivors
Anyone affected by sexual assault is encouraged to seek support. Confidential assistance is available through:
- Manitoulin Northshore Victim Services: 705-370-3378 or toll-free at 1-866-392-7733;
- Talk4Healing: 1-855-554-HEAL (4325), offering culturally grounded support for Indigenous women;
- Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868;
- Ontario Victim Support Line: 1-888-579-2888; and
- 211 Ontario: Call or text 2-1-1 for information about local community, counselling and crisis-support services.
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