A 32-year-old Ohio man is facing multiple child exploitation charges in the United States after Manitoba RCMP investigated the online grooming of a 10-year-old girl.
According to the Manitoba RCMP, investigators learned in December 2025 that the girl had been communicating online with someone she believed was a teenage boy. A family member discovered the exchanges and contacted police.
RCMP said the girl initially met the suspect on a popular social media platform before conversations moved to text messaging. Investigators allege the man groomed the child and convinced her to send explicit images and video of herself. Police also said the suspect sent explicit photos to the girl.
“The details of this case are disturbing and underscore the real dangers that online predators and those with malicious intent pose to impressionable children and youth,” said Cpl. Emmie Clements of the Manitoba Integrated Child Exploitation Unit.
Cross-border investigation led to arrest
The Manitoba RCMP Internet Child Exploitation Unit reviewed material found on the victim’s electronic devices and determined the suspect was living in the United States.
Investigators then worked with Homeland Security Investigations at the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa to identify and locate the suspect.
On Feb. 12, special agents with Homeland Security Investigations in Cleveland executed a search warrant at a home in Wadsworth, Ohio, where a suspect was arrested. Authorities also seized electronic devices that allegedly contained evidence connected to communications with the Manitoba girl.
Courtney Arden Wise III, 32, of Wadsworth, Ohio, has been charged by U.S. officials with sexual exploitation of children, receipt of visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, and possession of child pornography.
The suspect remains in custody in Ohio. U.S. investigators believe there may be additional victims, and the investigation is ongoing.
The allegations have not been proven in court.
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Clements thanked Homeland Security Investigations for assisting in locating and arresting the suspect.
“Homeland Security Investigations remains committed to working with law enforcement worldwide to combat child exploitation,” said Maggie Sigur, attaché for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations.
“This case underscores the impact of cross-border collaboration in protecting children, a commitment we share with the RCMP.”
Mounties have not named the social media platform or where the victim is from to protect the child’s identity.
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