Potential victims sought in luring investigation

In April, the Guelph Police Service was contacted by two residents who reported communicating with an individual after finding a phone number written on the bathroom wall at a south-end business. One of the witnesses told the man he

As a result, the Guelph Police Service launched an investigation during which an undercover officer, posing as a 15-year-old boy, communicated with a man and arranged to meet at a local park.

In June, Paul Barnes, 69, of Guelph, was arrested for two counts of arranging by telecommunication to commit a sexual offence against a child. He was held for a bail hearing and was released from custody. His next scheduled court appearance is July 14.

The Guelph Police Service is concerned there may be additional victims who have not yet been identified or who have not yet come forward. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Constable Sam Johnston of the Guelph Police Service Internet Child Exploitation Unit at 519-824-1212, ext. 7214, or by email at sjohnston@guelphpolice.ca. (Occurrence number GU26027501)