Ottawa and U.S. authorities have charged a 22-year-old Pennsylvania man with multiple counts of child sexual abuse following an international investigation that spanned several months. The case involved the Ottawa Police Service Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) unit, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, and other agencies.
Investigation began in May 2025
The investigation began on May 12, 2025, when the Ottawa Police ICE unit received a complaint that an 11-year-old boy in Ottawa had been sexually exploited online. Through interviews with the victim and examination of digital evidence, investigators determined that the exploitation had occurred over several months.
The probe also uncovered evidence that the suspect allegedly abused a second youth, a 14-year-old in the United States.
Suspect identified and arrested
Investigators identified the suspect as Joseph Erkert, 22, of Dingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania. With assistance from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), they confirmed that Erkert had travelled from the U.S. to Ottawa to meet the 11-year-old victim in July 2025.
Erkert was arrested by U.S. authorities and charged with sexual abuse of children, unlawful contact with a minor, corruption of a minor, and criminal use of a communication facility. In connection with the 14-year-old victim, he faces additional charges including aggravated indecent assault, corruption of a minor, unlawful contact with a minor, aggravated indecent assault without consent, and indecent assault on a person less than 16 years of age.
Police seek additional victims
Ottawa police noted that Erkert used the online handles "nextrevit79" and "Next revitYT." They are concerned there may be other victims. Anyone who recognizes these usernames or suspects their child may have had contact with this individual is urged to contact the OPS Internet Child Exploitation Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5660, or via email at ICE@ottawapolice.ca. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or online at crimestoppers.ca.
