Man accused of luring young girls on Snapchat faces more charges: Edmonton police
More charges have been laid against a 53-year-old man accused of luring teens on social media, Edmonton police said Friday.
In a news release, the Edmonton Police Service said an additional victim came forward after charges were initially laid in the investigation in late March.
At that time, police said they began investigating a report of sexual assault on a young female. Police said that between December 2023 and March 2024, the accused is alleged to have befriended three girls — two 14-year-olds and a 12-year-old — using the social media platform Snapchat. Police said the accused used the username @used2bc.
The man is accused of offering to buy vapes, marijuana and alcohol for the girls in exchange for nude pictures, videos and in-person sexual contact.
On March 27, police charged Horacio Benitez with several child pornography and sexual assault-related offences.
Since then, a 15-year-old girl came forward. Police said the girl was 12 years old at the time of the offence.
“An additional youth has bravely come forward, and we are actively working to connect her with resources that we hope will support her healing,” Det. Helena McNalley with the EPS child protection section said in a news release.
As a result, Benitez was charged with additional offences, including sexual assault, sexual interference, sexual counsel of a child, distributing cannabis to a youth, luring a child under 16 and obtaining sex services of a child for consideration.
Police continue to believe there are more victims out there.
“(We) want to assure them that what happened is not their fault and they are not alone. We are here to help and encourage them to reach out to us.”
Police said all of the youth involved in the investigation are being supported by the Zebra Child and Youth Advocacy Centre.
Anyone who believes they have been victimized is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.
More on Crime
&© 2024 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
View original article here Source
Gritin Resistance Bands, [Set of 5] Skin-Friendly Resistance Fitness Exercise Loop Bands with 5 Different Resistance…
$14.99 (as of April 16, 2024 20:29 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Promover Wide Leg Pants for Women Yoga Pants with Pockets Loose Lounge Sweatpants Petite/Regular/Tall
$20.50 (as of April 16, 2024 20:29 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
WNEEDU Womens Summer Sleeveless Tank Tops Eyelet Embroidery Spaghetti Strap Hollow Pleated Flowy…
$15.19 (as of April 16, 2024 20:29 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Maybelline Volumizing and Lengthening Mascara, For Sky-High Lashes, Lightweight Formula, Smudge-proof and…
$10.99 (as of April 16, 2024 20:29 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Carhartt Men's Loose Fit Heavyweight Short-Sleeve Pocket T-Shirt
$28.99 (as of April 16, 2024 20:29 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Amazon Basics Neoprene Coated Dumbbell Hand Weight Set
$23.38 (as of April 16, 2024 20:29 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Bedsure Satin Pillow Cases 2 Pack Queen - Grey Satin Pillowcase for Hair and Skin - Similar to Silk Pillow Cases…
$11.99 (as of April 16, 2024 20:29 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Utopia Bedding Bed Sheet Set - 4 Piece Queen Bedding - Soft Brushed Microfiber Fabric - Shrinkage & Fade Resistant…
$21.99 (as of April 16, 2024 20:29 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Under Eye Mask - Reduce Dark Circles, Puffy Eyes, Undereye Bags, Wrinkles - Gel Under Eye Patches, Vegan Cruelty-Free…
$19.72 (as of April 16, 2024 20:29 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)