A contract employee of Durham College has been arrested and charged following a child luring investigation that police say involved communication with two young girls through social media platforms.
Members of the Child Exploitation Unit of the Durham Regional Police Service launched an investigation in late 2025 after receiving information regarding alleged online communications between an adult male and two girls aged 12 and 13.
According to investigators, the suspect allegedly used social media platforms Reddit and Snapchat to communicate with the victims. Police allege that the accused attempted to persuade the girls to send sexually explicit images and other forms of child sexual abuse material through online conversations conducted under specific usernames.
Following months of investigation, officers executed a search warrant at a residence in Whitby earlier this year. During the operation, police arrested Manu Sugunakumar, 23, and seized several electronic devices for further examination.
Sugunakumar faces multiple charges, including allegations of luring a person under the age of 16 for the purpose of facilitating sexual offences, luring a person under 18 to facilitate the creation of child sexual abuse material, facilitating invitations to sexual touching, and publishing an intimate image without consent.
Police emphasize that the allegations have not been proven in court and that the accused is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Investigators believe there may be additional victims and are urging anyone with information related to the case to come forward and contact Durham Regional Police.
In the wake of the arrest, Durham College confirmed that the accused was employed by the institution on a contract basis at the time of the allegations. College officials stated that the individual has been placed on leave and is no longer actively working at the institution.
In a written statement, Durham College described the allegations as deeply concerning and reiterated that the safety and well-being of students, employees, and the broader community remain its highest priority. The college also confirmed that it will cooperate fully with law enforcement authorities as the investigation proceeds.
Because the matter is now before the courts and remains under active police investigation, college officials indicated they would not be providing further comment at this time.
The case highlights ongoing concerns surrounding online safety and the risks faced by young people on social media platforms. Law enforcement agencies continue to encourage parents and guardians to maintain open discussions with children about online interactions and to report any suspicious activity involving minors.
The investigation remains ongoing.