THUNDER BAY – The case involving 13 local men charged with distributing intimate images without consent continues to make its way through the court with a judicial pre-trial set for October.
In early February, the Thunder Bay Police Service charged 12 people with more than 170 offences relating to sharing intimate photos without consent, including images of girls under the age of 18.
Police charged a 13th person a month later.
A total of 117 victims had been identified through the investigation at that point, which started in 2023, following reports that images of multiple Thunder Bay women had been shared though an online chat platform.
On Monday, legal representatives for 12 of the accused appeared at the Thunder Bay Courthouse while one accused – Ryan Madore – remains unrepresented.
Crown attorney Tiffany Boisvert said disclosure will be substantially complete once the next piece of evidence goes out to each defence team.
She noted the Crown is also expecting further forensic analysis of some evidence from the police.
A judicial pre-trial was set for Oct. 20 for all the accused.
A judicial pre-trial is a meeting between all parties in a court matter to discuss issues that may come up in court and resolution options.
Madore is also expected to have retained a lawyer by Sept. 10, when he is set to return to court to inform the judge of who will be representing him.
The accused in the case and their charges are:
Joshua Wanakamik, 34, faces charges of accessing, distributing and possessing child sexual abuse material, as well as identity fraud and unauthorized use of a computer.
Aaron Stolz, 37, has been charged with distributing images without consent as well as being charged with accessing, distributing and possessing child sexual abuse material.
Darryl Renaud, 38, is facing charges of distributing images without consent, accessing, distributing and possessing child sexual abuse material. He's facing additional charges of luring and extortion.
Jonathon Prieston, 32, is facing charges for distributing images without consent.
Lindsey Hunt, 38, is charged with offences for distributing images without consent and accessing, distributing and possessing child sexual abuse material.
Tyler Bluoin, 28, is charged with distributing images without consent, along with accessing, distributing and possessing child sexual abuse material.
Madore, 38, is charged with distributing images without consent, along with possessing child sexual abuse material.
James Edgson, 36, has been charged with possessing child sexual abuse material, as well as distributing images without consent.
Sheldon Price, 30, is facing three counts of distributing images without consent.
Bradley Comuzzi, 37; Ian Warren, 37 and Jordi Leblanc, 31; are each facing one charge for distributing images without consent.
And Jordan Maurice, 31, has been charged with distributing intimate images without consent.
Following the October pre-trial, the case will next be addressed on Nov. 14.
None of the allegations against any of the accused have been proven in court.
