THUNDER BAY - A Thunder Bay man is facing charges connected to child pornography.
Steven Siemieniuk, 40, appeared in Thunder Bay bail court on Friday, Oct. 2, and was officially charged with one count making child pornography available and one count of willfully obstructing a police officer by destroying evidence.
Siemieniuk came to police attention on Sept. 23 when officers with the Thunder Bay Police Service's Cyber Crimes Unit became aware of a local internet user sharing suspected files of child pornography, according to a media release. A search warrant was executed on Thursday, Oct. 1, in the 100-block of Finlayson Street where the accused was arrested.
Police say the suspect attempted to destroy a device believed to contain child pornography material.
There is a court-ordered publication ban in place which prevents some of the details heard at Siemieniuk’s court appearance on Friday. A separate publication ban is in place to protect the identity of any complainant.
Siemieniuk was released on $1,000 bail without a deposit. Upon his release, he is not allowed to attend any public park or swimming area where a person under the age of 16 is expected to be present. He also cannot seek or obtain employment or volunteer in a position that involves having authority over someone under the age of 16.
Siemieniuk is also not allowed to have any contact with a person under the age of 16. He is also not allowed to use the internet or any other digital network.
Siemieniuk is expected to return to court in November.
