U.S. man charged in online child exploitation investigation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, July 8, 2026  1:40 p.m. 

(Ottawa)—On May 12, 2026, the Ottawa Police Service Internet Child Exploitation Unit initiated an investigation into a complaint that an 11-year-old in Ottawa had been sexually exploited online.

Through interviewing the victim and examining digital evidence, the Internet Child Exploitation and Digital Forensics units determined that an 11-year-old had been sexually exploited over several months and found evidence the suspect had also abused a 14-year-old in the US. Investigators identified the suspect and, in cooperation with the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA), confirmed he travelled from the US to Ottawa to meet the 11-year-old victim in July 2025. Investigators also identified the 14-year-old victim.

The Internet Child Exploitation lead investigator coordinated with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Ottawa, resulting in a joint HSI-OPS investigation led by HSI to locate the US-based suspect, while the Child Exploitation Unit liaised with the victim's family.

Joseph Erkert (22 years old), of Dingmans Ferry, PA, was arrested by US authorities and charged with the following in relation to the Ottawa victim: Sexual abuse of children; Unlawful contact with a minor; Corruption of a minor and Criminal use of communication facility.

Erkert was also charged with the following in relation to the 14-year-old victim: Aggravated indecent assault; Corruption of a minor; Unlawful contact with a minor; Aggravated indecent assault without consent, and Indecent assault on a person less than 16 years of age.

Erkert remains in custody in the US.

This investigation is indicative of the strong network of international investigators that the OPS Internet Child Exploitation Unit is a part of, and in particular of the close working relationship with HSI and CBSA with regard to child exploitation.

More importantly, the details of this investigation should highlight to parents and children the importance of online safety.  

ERKERT used the following usernames: nextrevit79 and Next revitYT.  Investigators are concerned that there might be other victims.

Anyone who recognizes these usernames or believes their child may have had contact with this individual is asked to contact the OPS Internet Child Exploitation Unit at 613-236-1222, extension 5660. Tips may also be sent electronically to [email protected].

For more information on how to protect children from child sexual abuse and exploitation, please visit www.protectchildren.ca.

Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or online at crimestoppers.ca.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to speak with children about online safety, monitor online activity, and report any concerning online interactions involving children or youth.

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Through the Community Safety Data portal data.ottawapolice.ca, members of the public can view, download, and interact with data released by the Ottawa Police Service.

Help make your community safer: register your information and security camera location at CAMSafe.ca to support investigations.

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Tel: 613-236-1222, ext.  5366

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