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Home My WebLink AboutThe Huron Expositor, 1994-06-08, Page 22 -THE HURON EXPOSITOR, Jun* S, 1994 News and Views Abuse of children widespread BY TIM CUMMING Expositor Editor Sexual abuse of children is a problem which can be found every- where, said London Police Chief Julian Fantino in a May 31 press conference. The police chief was rejecting suggestions that pornography using children is specifically a problem in that city. "We will be arresting more people who are residents else- where," he told an audience of press reporters. Sexual abusers aren't restricted to any one particular group or pro- fession, according to the police chief. "This is not particularly teachers any more than it's police officers or whomever," said Fantino. "It's not particular to any segment of the community...it's a slice of life." The London child pornography investigation has led to the arrests of 30 people. About 55 young people have been found to be vic- timized by the child pornography ring. The prospect of AIDS has been identified as a concern in some of the cases. Fantino said recent legislative changes allowing police to charge people with possession of child pornography has assisted the efforts of the police force to crack down. "I'm gratified we have some tool to protect our children." Parents are encouraged by Fantino to know how their children are spending their time and who they are associating with. The police chief called the sexual abuse of children a victimization of society's most vulnerable people. Young victims of sexual abuse are often reluctant to come forward. They sometimes contemplate sui- cide or turn to a life of crime. "We know a lot of these kids go on to other activities," said Fantino. Who are these men who abuse children for their own sexual grati- fication? The London Police Chief painted a picture of aggressive predators who prey upon young, vulnerable individuals. "There's a secretive subculture to this," he said. "It's an aggressive kind of enterprise that involves many different facets, drugs in some cases." Police Superintendent Jim Balmain calls their actions "below the scum level of criminal activity." The London Police Force has devoted between eight and ten police officers full-time to the investigation. There are 432 police officers on the force. The confiscation of child por- nography from the London home of Seaforth District High School teacher Buryl Wilson may lead to more arrests, according to London Police. "If experience is telling we known this is going to snowball," GARDENING IS AN INVESTMENT adds c4 a *Net ptaftettet. Come to Te -em Farm becauce nobody hits colour and selection like we do in annuals, hanging baskets, geraniums, perennials, vegetable plants, herbs, etc. &4€t4€ ?dead gittiat at d7 7ei c We will plant your planters for you with your choice of flowers! NURSERY STOCK TIM CUMMING PHOTO CHILD SEX ABUSE INVESTIGATION - London Police Chief Julian Fantino said in a press conference on Tuesday, May 31 that sexual exploitation of children by adults is committed by people of all professions and can be found in all areas, not just London. TIM CUMMING PIJOTO PORNOGRAPHY SEIZED - At a May 31 press conference London Police displayed some of the hundreds of pornographic magazines and videos which have been seized as part of its massive child pornography investigation. The bulk of these materials were confiscated from the home of a Seaforth high school teacher. The magazines have names such as Top Teens. The confiscated goods include journals which are alleged to record sex acts with young boys. said Fantino at the May 31 press conference. Police predicted it could take a month to view all the materials confiscated, which include 875 videotapes, 250 magazines, 600 polaroid photographs as well as two large 'diaries' or journals. The police chief announced at the press conference his request for a larger task force to deal with child pornography and child sexual abuse. (Photo By Mark Cripps)MARIJUANA CONFISCATED - Police are shown with $100,000 worth of marijuana seized from a Hullett Township property. Huron County Crime Stoppers Theft of Gas: On May 9, 80 Litres of gas were stolen from a Huron County Board of Education bus which was parked at the Stephen Township school located at Lot 11, Concession 10 of Stephen Township. If you have information about these or any other crimes call Crime Stoppers of Huron County, 1-800-265-1777 and you could receive a reward of up to $1,000. 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