Westlock RCMP arrests a man for sexual assault
On May 7, 2024, Westlock RCMP received a complaint of sexual assault on a minor. The crimes took place from 2018-2022. RCMP members gathered evidence and, on May 15, 2024, conducted the arrest of a male suspect. In order to avoid the risk of identifying the victim, and to respect the spirit of the publication ban on the victim’s name, his name will not be revealed, but it is believed that there may be other victims.
As a result of the investigation, a 51-year-old resident of Westlock, 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 is to appear at the Alberta Court of Justice in Westlock on June 12, 2024. Westlock RCMP was informed that he has since breached his conditions and charges will be considered pending further investigation.
Alberta RCMP would like to remind everyone that they will always take these types of complaints seriously and that it is never too late to come forth and report these 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 S/Sgt Jeff Shen, Detachment Commander 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, or email victimsofcrime@gov.ab.ca, if they feel the need for support or help. For those in Westlock, the Westlock Community Victim Services Unit Association can be reached at 780-349-4492.
Cpl Mathew Howell
Alberta RCMP
