RCMP believe there may be more victims connected to a sexual assault investigation, with the incidents alleged to have taken place between August and December of 2024.
According to Grande Prairie RCMP, members of the Special Investigative Unit have laid charges against the two men after investigating the allegations. Officers received the report of sexual offences against a youth which members of the SIU investigated with the help of the Grande Prairie Caribou Centre.
Two men are facing charges connected to the investigation, including a 30-year-old Grande Prairie man who is charged with sexual exploitation, two counts of sexual assault, assault and possession to publish child pornography. A 23-year-old from Grande Prairie has also been charged with sexual assault for being party to the incident.
Officials with the Grande Prairie Public School Division have confirmed one of the two charged, the 23-year-old, was a staff member at the Grande Prairie Composite High School. However, it is also confirmed that the charge does not relate to any students or staff at the Composite High School.
In a statement, Superintendent Sandy McDonald says immediately following notification of the arrest, the individual was suspended from the division.
“Not permitted to be on school property and is not working in the division or with division students,” McDonald continues.
“Our school division takes these charges very seriously and we will cooperate fully with the investigation and work closely with our school to support them through this challenging
situation. Please be assured that the safety and well-being of our students remains our highest priority.”
Police are asking other victims to come forward with any similar incidents by either contacting Crime Stoppers or Grande Prairie RCMP.