In May 2026, the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) Internet Child Exploitation Unit (ICE) initiated an investigation after receiving information regarding a suspect who was communicating online with a child in Ohio, United States. This was reported to the WPS by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).
The investigation revealed ongoing communications between a 36-year-old man and a child. ICE investigators identified a residence in Headingly, Manitoba, and a search warrant was obtained.
On June 2, 2026, ICE investigators, with the assistance of the Police Electronic Storage Detection Dog (ESD) – Willow, executed the search warrant and seized multiple electronic devices.
Joshua Michael FODEY (36) was arrested during the search and has been charged with the following offences:
- Possession of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material
- Makes, Prints, Publishes or Possesses for the Purpose of Publication any Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material
- Transmit, Make Available, Distribute or Sell Sexually Explicit Material to a Person Under 18yrs x 3
- Luring a Person Under 18 years of age by Means of Telecommunication x 2
FODEY was released on an Undertaking, which includes protective conditions for anyone under the age of 18.
The Winnipeg Police Service is committed to providing support to survivors of sexual assault and exploitation. Anyone wishing to speak to an investigator can call the ICE Unit at 204-986-6172 or report online at Cybertip.
