Toronto (Rajeev Sharma): Niagara Regional Police have apprehended a 50-year-old Toronto man following an extensive undercover investigation into child exploitation that lasted nearly a year. The probe, spearheaded by the Niagara Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit, was launched in March 2025 as a proactive measure to identify individuals utilizing the internet to target children for sexual purposes. By February 2026, the investigation expanded to include the Peel Regional Police ICE Unit after authorities determined the suspect was continuing his illicit online activities.
On Tuesday, February 24, 2026, officers arrested Joseph Michael Mortillaro and charged him with two counts of luring a child via telecommunication to facilitate sexual interference and one count of harassing communications. According to investigators, Mortillaro allegedly used the online pseudonyms “DadOfTwo” and “Mike” to interact with potential victims. Following his arrest, he was held in custody and is scheduled to appear for a bail hearing this Wednesday in St. Catharines.
While the current charges involve specific instances identified during the undercover operation, police expressed concern that there may be other victims who have not yet come forward. The authorities are urging anyone with information related to Mortillaro’s online conduct or the specified usernames to contact the Niagara Regional Police Service. As the legal process moves forward, officials noted that these allegations have yet to be proven in a court of law.
