Additional charges have been laid against a man from West Lincoln in relation to an ongoing investigation that started almost two years ago.
In April 2024, the Niagara Regional Police Service Homicide Unit started an investigation into the death of a female in the Town of Smithville, leading to the arrest of Joseph Villneff of West Lincoln that October, who was charged with first-degree murder.
The Internet Child Exploitation Unit soon became involved and additional charges of Possession of Child Pornography and Vouyerism were added in December 2024.
In September 2025, more child exploitation material was found, which led detectives to add the following charges on January 20, 2026:
- Secretly Record Person for a Sexual Purpose – Voyeurism (5 Counts)
- Make Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material (7 Counts)
- Sexual Assault Under 16 years of age (4 Counts)
- Sexual Interference (4 Counts)
- Unlawfully Possess Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material (3 Counts)
- Access Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material
- Making Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material Available
Villneff remains in custody and is scheduled to attend court January 28, 2026 in St. Catharines.