Two men from Barrie and Orillia are among 17 people charged in a provincewide investigation into online child sexual exploitation.
Ontario Provincial Police say a 42-year-old from Orillia faces two counts of possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material.
A 42-year-old Barrie man faces two counts of possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material and one count of making that material available.
The charges stem from an initiative dubbed Project Brace, involving 15 police services, in partnership wit with the OPP's Child Sexual Exploitation Unit.
Investigators say they targeted individuals suspected of making, possessing and distributing child sexual abuse and exploitation material.
Among those charged, 55 criminal offences are alleged. Police also seized 424 electronic devices.
While investigators did not directly identify any victims during the investigation, the OPP says 23 cases remain active.
"Members of the Provincial Strategy recognize that law enforcement cannot combat these crimes alone. Parents, educators, child advocacy organizations, government and technology providers are essential in keeping children safe," OPP stated in a news release.
