Hamilton man shared women's intimate images without consent and there may be more victims, police say

Hamilton police have arrested an 18-year-old Hamilton man for extortion and non-consensually sharing intimate images.

In December, police said, two women reached out about separate incidents in which someone with a username they did not recognize shared their "intimate content" over social media app Snapchat. Police said the accused used the handles abbiebaitzer and isaiahhoply.

In an April 8 news release, Hamilton Police Service said there may be more victims and they would like anyone with information to contact Det. Const. Chad Gale at 905-540-5247.

The women are both 18 now, but were minors when the content was created, Gale told CBC Hamilton in an email. 

Police don't believe there are more suspects, but still investigating 

Police said their investigation led to a home in the Stoney Creek area on Monday. There, they seized several electronic devices and identified the 18-year-old, who they arrested and charged with non-consensual distribution of an intimate video, non-consensual distribution of an intimate image and extortion.

"We are alleging that the accused made certain utterances to the victim in an attempt to obtain further intimate content," Gale said when asked why the accused is charged with extortion. 

Gale said police are still investigating how the accused came to access the intimate images. Police are also investigating how many people were involved in the alleged crime, but at this point, do not think there are more suspects, he added. 

However, "evidence discovered during the investigation led to the belief there may be additional victims," Gale said, adding:  "I am unable to speak to what this evidence is."

WATCH | How Quebec is combatting the sharing of intimate photos without consent: 

How Quebec is combatting the sharing of intimate photos without consent

6 months ago

Duration 2:30

The province tabled Bill 73 to offer more options for victims. It proposes changes including easier access to obtain a civil protection order and the possibility for victims to testify over video.

Last year, legislators in Quebec and British Columbia took steps to address sharing intimate images without consent, which Quebec's justice minister called a "scourge."

One Alberta investigator told CBC News sexual extortion is underreported and an epidemic.