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City police have laid additional charges against a 53-year-old man after another luring victim came forward to police.
In March, Edmonton Police Service’s child protections unit started investigating the report of a sexual assault on a young female. After a lengthy investigation, it was revealed that a man befriended three female youths, two 14-year-olds and a 12-year-old using the Snapchat app under the username @used2bc between December, 2023 and early March, police said in a news release Friday.
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During the conversations on Snapchat, it was revealed he offered to purchase vapes, alcohol and marijuana in exchange for nude images, videos and in-person sexual contact.
On March 27, Horacio Benitez, 53, was arrested and charged with two counts of sexual assault, two counts of sexual interference, two counts of invitation to sexual touching and two counts of luring a child.
Since then, a 15-year-old girl, who was 12-year-old at the time of the offence has come forward to authorities.
“An additional youth has bravely come forward, and we are actively working to connect her with resources that we hope will support her healing,” said Det. Helena McNalley with the EPS’ child protection section in a release.
“We continue to believe that there are additional complainants out there and 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 say that all the youths involved continue to receive support from the Zebra Child and Youth Advocacy Centre.
Benitez has additionally been charged with sexual assault, sexual counsel of a child, sexual interference, distribute cannabis to a youth, luring a child under 16 years and obtaining sex services of a child for consideration.
His next court appearance is scheduled for May 1.
Police encourage anyone who believes they have been victimized by the accused is asked to contact EPS at 780-423-4567.
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