The Westlock RCMP have charged a 51-year-old man for sexual crimes committed against a minor over a four-year period.
According to a news release, the Westlock RCMP first received a complaint on May 7, 2024, of a sexual assault on a minor committed between the years of 2018 and 2022.
RCMP gathered evidence and conducted the arrest of a male suspect on May 15. The Westlock resident was charged with sexual assault, sexual exploitation of a young person, invitation to sexual touching, sexual interference and luring a child.
The offender was brought before a justice of the peace, who released him on conditions.
He was set to appear once again in the Alberta Court of Justice on June 12, 2024, but the RCMP have been informed he has breached his conditions and further charges will be considered pending investigation.
In order to avoid identifying the victim and to respect the spirit of a publication ban on the victim’s name, the suspect will not be identified.
It is believed there may be other victims. The RCMP stated that they will always take complaints of sexual assault seriously and it is never too late to report such crimes to the police.
“These types of crimes, particularly those that take advantage of a position of trust or power with a vulnerable victim, are especially heinous and unacceptable,” said Staff Sgt. Jeff Sehn of the Westlock RCMP.
“We encourage anyone who is, or has been, a victim of sexual assault to come forth, be it to police or to a trusted person unrelated to the abuser. We will always make sure that you are heard and will take every investigation seriously. No one should feel like they are alone in this.”
Anyone who is affected, directly or indirectly, by these types of crime can contact their local Victim Services Unit (VSU) or e-mail [email protected] if they feel the need for support or help.
In Westlock, the local Community Victim Services Unit Association can be reached at (780) 349-4492.
