Male Arrested After Child Luring Investigation

A male is facing charges following a child luring investigation.

On Thursday, April 3, 2025, members from the DRPS Internet Child Exploitation Unit (ICE), with the assistance of the ICE units at Peterborough Police and Belleville Police Service concluded an investigation concerning an adult male communicating with whom he believed was a 14-year-old girl. The male sent sexually explicit images and made arrangements to meet the girl at a park in Pickering to engage in sexual acts.

When the male arrived at the park, members from the DRPS ICE Unit took him into custody without incident.

The suspect communicated on “Chat IB” with the username: “Durham4222”. 

Police are concerned there may be other victims and are requesting anyone with information to come forward.

A photo of the suspect is attached and can be viewed at www.drps.ca

Steven CATUCCI, age 47 from Whitby is charged with: Luring a Person Under 16 Years of Age by Means of Telecommunication and Make Sexually Explicit Material Available to a Person Under 16 Years of Age.

 He was held for a bail hearing.

Anyone with information about this or similar incidents is asked to contact D/Cst. Tyrell of the Internet Child Exploitation Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5544.

For more information on our ICE unit and resources that are available please visit our website at https://www.drps.ca/community-safety-and-support/crime-prevention/internet-safety-and-child-exploitation/

The Durham Regional Police would like to acknowledge the assistance of the Canadian National and Ontario Provincial Strategies to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on the Internet. This project has been made possible by a grant from the Ministry of the Solicitor General.

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.

The information in this media release contains facts and circumstances that have been obtained from a police investigation.  These allegations have yet to be proven in court. 

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