On Dec. 2, Vermilion RCMP, Kitscoty RCMP and the Kitscoty Crime Reduction Unit executed a search warrant at a residence in Vermilion. The warrant followed two separate investigations involving the same suspect.
The first incident was reported on Oct. 20, when Vermilion RCMP were told of allegations that an adult was involved in an inappropriate relationship with a youth under 18.
The second incident took place on Nov. 3, when the same suspect allegedly assaulted a man.
Both files resulted in police searching the suspect’s residence, where officers seized evidence and three rifles.
As a result, Justin Reid, 41, of Vermilion is charged with luring a child, sexual exploitation of a young person, aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and three counts of unauthorized possession of a firearm.
Reid was brought before a justice of the peace and remanded into custody. He is scheduled to appear in Alberta Court of Justice in Wainwright on Dec. 4.
In a statement, police urged residents to stop spreading rumours about the case.
“These two investigations have created a lot of rumours and misinformation on social media,” said Cpl. Brittany Pegg, acting detachment commander for Vermilion RCMP.
“For the sake of the victims, we ask the public to remove any speculative and hateful comments they may have made online. These comments can cause distress to the victim and their family; and may result in criminal charges, such as criminal harassment, uttering threats, extortion, assault, and defamatory libel. Parents are asked to monitor their children’s online presence in order to avoid bullying behavior”.
Resources about online safety and cyberbullying can be found at RCMP.ca under Youth sections, and prevention tools are available through Public Safety Canada.
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