Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) has announced a new wave of charges in an ongoing child exploitation and sexual assault investigation that has been underway for more than two years. The case, which centres around Justin Garzon, has grown in scope as additional victims have come forward and more evidence has been uncovered through cooperation between multiple law enforcement agencies across the country and internationally.
Originally arrested in August in Cambridge, Garzon is now facing a significantly expanded list of charges tied to alleged offences involving youth victims, online exploitation, sexual violence, and the non-consensual distribution of intimate material. Authorities believe the total number of victims may not yet be known and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Ongoing Investigation Reveals Pattern of Exploitation
According to WRPS, the investigation first began in 2022 and has steadily developed as investigators analyzed complaints, digital evidence, and online accounts linked to the suspect. Over the course of several months, multiple victims have reportedly come forward, providing information that strengthened the case and pointed to a long-running pattern of online and in-person abuse.
Police allege that Garzon engaged in communication with underage individuals over several years, grooming and exploiting them. Investigators say he used various messaging platforms and social media channels to contact youth and build relationships that later escalated into illegal activity, including the collection, creation, and distribution of illicit images and videos.
Authorities have described the behaviour as calculated and persistent, involving repeated contact with minors, deceptive identities, and the use of multiple platforms to avoid detection.
Multiple Aliases Linked to Online Activity
One of the central complications in the investigation has been the wide range of aliases and usernames allegedly used by Garzon across different platforms. These alternate identities allowed investigators to trace connections across accounts and link victims who may not have realized they were communicating with the same individual.
Police say the aliases attributed to Garzon include:
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Justin Alexander Garzon
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Ziggy
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Xavier Kain
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GatsbyASMR and GatsbyNSFW
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TikTok: Egsneakyboi
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Kik: AlexMrDaddy, AlexDadDepraved, DaughtLove, famlover5, incstlvr5, Johnnymiracle
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Snapchat: Dad748392
Investigators believe these identities were used to contact and manipulate victims, share explicit content, and conceal the suspect’s true identity while operating online. The use of multiple accounts also complicated early efforts to track the full scope of the alleged offences.
Original Charges Laid Following August Arrest
Garzon was initially arrested in Cambridge in August following months of investigative work by WRPS. After his arrest, police laid a number of serious charges related to child exploitation and sexual offences. These original charges included:
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Luring a child (five counts)
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Invitation to sexual touching (two counts)
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Making child sexual abuse material (three counts)
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Possessing child sexual abuse material (four counts)
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Distributing child sexual abuse material (two counts)
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Making explicit material available to a child (four counts)
At the time, police indicated the investigation was still in its early stages and warned that additional charges were possible as more information came to light. That assessment has now proven accurate, as the case has since widened substantially.
New Allegations Result in Additional Criminal Charges
On November 29, WRPS confirmed that a new list of charges has been laid against Garzon as a result of continued investigation and further victim statements. These additional charges reflect alleged incidents involving physical violence, coercion, and non-consensual acts.
The newly added charges include:
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Assault
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Sexual assault
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Assault causing bodily harm (strangulation)
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Uttering threats to cause death
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Voyeurism
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Distributing intimate images without consent
Each of these charges carries significant legal consequences and underscores the seriousness of the allegations. Police have not released specific details regarding dates or locations of the incidents in order to protect the identities of the victims.
Additional Charges Laid by Brantford Police Service
The scope of the investigation has now extended beyond the Waterloo Region. The Brantford Police Service has also laid charges against Garzon, including:
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Sexual assault
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Assault causing bodily harm
These charges indicate that alleged incidents may have occurred in multiple jurisdictions, further complicating the investigation and highlighting its wide-ranging nature.
Law enforcement officials confirmed that the case is now being treated as a multi-jurisdictional investigation involving several police services and agencies.
National and International Cooperation
To address the growing complexity of the case, WRPS is working closely with a number of law enforcement partners. Support has been provided by:
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Peel Regional Police Service
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Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
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Interpol
The involvement of Interpol suggests that parts of the investigation may have international connections, either in terms of digital communications, uploaded content, or potential victims residing outside Canada. Police have not confirmed any specific countries involved, but the international cooperation highlights the seriousness and broad reach of online exploitation cases.
Investigators say digital forensics continues to play a key role in uncovering evidence, including device analysis, online account tracking, and cross-referencing of user identities.
Police Believe There May Be More Victims
One of the most concerning elements of the case is the possibility that additional victims have not yet been identified. WRPS has stated that investigators believe there may be more victims both within and outside of the Waterloo Region who have not yet come forward.
Police are urging anyone who may have had contact with an individual using the listed aliases, or who may have been affected in any way, to speak with investigators. They are also encouraging parents and guardians to speak with children and teens about online safety, reminding them to report suspicious or inappropriate contact.
Encouraging Victims to Come Forward Safely
Authorities emphasize that victims will be treated with respect, confidentiality, and care. Specialized units are involved in handling sensitive interviews, and support services are available to ensure individuals feel safe throughout the process.
Child exploitation cases are among the most complex and emotionally difficult crimes to investigate, due to the vulnerable nature of the victims and the digital tools often used to commit these offences. Police say even small pieces of information from the public can make a significant difference.
A Reminder of the Risks of Online Exploitation
This investigation serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers that can exist in online spaces, particularly for young people. Law enforcement agencies continue to warn that predators may use multiple identities, offer emotional manipulation, or falsely present themselves as peers in order to gain trust.
Police stress the importance of digital safety awareness, including:
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Not sharing personal information or images online
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Being cautious when communicating with unknown individuals
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Reporting suspicious or inappropriate behaviour immediately
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Ensuring privacy settings are secured on social platforms
Education and awareness, combined with proactive policing, remain critical tools in preventing future cases of exploitation.
Conclusion: Investigation Remains Active and Ongoing
As of now, Justin Garzon remains the focus of an extensive and ongoing investigation. With additional charges laid and more agencies involved, authorities say the legal process is far from over. The case continues to evolve as new evidence and possible victims come forward.
WRPS has reinforced its commitment to pursuing justice for all victims and holding offenders accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Officials say updates will be provided as the case progresses through the court system and as new information becomes available.
Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact the Waterloo Regional Police Service or their local law enforcement agency. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through recognized crime reporting channels.
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