Ottawa man accused of luring, sexually assaulting two girls under 16

By Mike Vlasveld

Posted Aug 26, 2021 07:01:00 PM.

A 30-year-old Ottawa man is facing 13 charges related to sexual assault and child pornography after an investigation into incidents of child luring via social media.

The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) says it was notified by Gatineau police, earlier this month, about an incident in which a man has contacted a girl under the age of 16 through a social media platform. He eventually convinced the girl to meet him in person, where he sexually assaulted her.  

Investigators then found out about another similar incident involving the same suspect and another girl under 16.

The man was arrested on Wednesday, August 25, with the help of the Ontario Provincial Police.

Branden Barr was charged on Thursday with: 

  • Sexual Assault on a person under 16 (two counts)
  • Luring a person under 16 by means of telecommunication (four counts)
  • Luring of a person under 18
  • Sexual interference with a person under 16 years of age (two counts)
  • Invitation to sexual touching under 16 years of age (two counts)
  • Print/Publish/Possess to publish child pornography
  • Possess child pornography

He is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday. 

Police say Barr went by the name of 'Chris' and he used different social media handles to hide his identity. Investigators believe there could be other victims.

Anyone with information that could help police in this investigation is asked to call the Ottawa Police Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Unit at 613-236-1222, extension 5944. Tips may also be sent electronically to SACA@ottawapolice.ca.   

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or at crimestoppers.ca.

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