Niagara police arrest man following ‘luring a minor’ investigation

Niagara police have arrested a man from Fort Erie following a year-long investigation involving the “luring of minors” over the internet.

Officers say they began an undercover investigation in Jan. 2024 into the luring of minors under the age of 16 using the internet.

Police say during the investigation a suspect allegedly communicated with minors for a sexual purpose and unknowingly communicated with undercover police, believing they were under 16-years-old.

Investigators identified and arrested 52-year-old William James Greenall of Fort Erie Tuesday, charging him with exposure to a person under 16 years of age, and luring a child via telecommunication to facilitate sexual interference.

Greenall was held in custody after his arrest and is scheduled to appear at a bail hearing Wednesday at a St. Catharines courthouse.

Detectives say they believe Greenall used the usernames “Niagara420”, “Niagara guy” and “James” on online platforms.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police.

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