New York State Man Faces Charges in Alleged Online Luring of Ottawa Girl
The Ottawa Police Service has announced that a 20-year-old man from New York State is facing multiple serious charges in connection with the alleged attempted online luring of a 12-year-old girl from Ottawa. Authorities have expressed concern that there may be additional luring targets in the Ottawa region, prompting a public warning and appeal for information.
Cross-Border Investigation Leads to Charges
According to a police release issued on March 11, 2026, the investigation began in September 2025 through collaboration between the Ottawa Police Service and the New York State Police. The OPS Internet Child Exploitation Unit, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Section, and Digital Forensic Section worked together to gather evidence that was subsequently used to execute a search warrant at the suspect's residence in New York State.
Following this joint investigation, New York State Police have laid U.S. charges against Brayden Bergfjord. The charges include:
- Disseminating indecent material to minors — 1st Degree (D Felony)
- Criminal solicitation — 3rd Degree (E Felony)
- Acting in a manner injurious to a child less than 17 (Misdemeanor)
Police Warn of Potential Additional Targets
Investigators believe there may be other luring targets in the Ottawa area. Police have revealed that Bergfjord was active on various online communication and social media platforms using specific usernames, which they have made public in an effort to identify any additional victims or gather further evidence.
The usernames associated with the suspect include:
- XEO-ROYAL
- earthlimits
- Chromed
- hittapurplewrld
- coolj_55
How to Report Information
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the Ottawa Police Service Internet Child Exploitation Unit directly at 613-236-1222, extension 5660. Tips may also be submitted electronically to ICE@ottawapolice.ca.
For those wishing to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers accepts tips toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or online at crimestoppers.ca. The police emphasize the importance of community cooperation in such investigations to protect vulnerable individuals.
Additional resources on protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation are available online at www.protectchildren.ca. This case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in combating online child exploitation and the critical need for public vigilance in digital spaces.
