Charges laid for sexual assault
We have charged a man with sexual assault following a lengthy investigation that spanned nearly three years.
On Sunday, July 23, 2023, between 1 and 2 a.m., a woman was walking in the 1200 block of Fourth Street S.W. when she was approached by a man who offered her money in exchange for sex.
She declined, after which the man sexually assaulted her. The suspect then ran away. The woman attended the Sheldon Chumir Health Centre for medical treatment, at which point police were contacted. Officers viewed CCTV footage from the area but were unable to identify the suspect. However, they did seize biological evidence which was ultimately used to create a DNA profile which, at the time, did not match any existing profiles in police databases.
Nearly a year-and-half later, on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, shortly before 3 a.m., another woman was sleeping outside in the 1200 block of 17 Avenue S.W, when a man offered her money in exchange for sex. After she refused, the man sexually assaulted her, then fled the area.
The victim called 911 and was taken to the hospital, where biological evidence was once again collected for forensic identification.
DNA analysis is a methodical and lengthy process. While that work continued in the laboratory, officers continued their investigation on the street.
After viewing CCTV footage from the area of the second assault, and gathering other evidence found on the scene, police identified a suspect.
Officers obtained a warrant to secure a DNA sample from that suspect, which was secured, then sent for analysis.
On Tuesday, April 14, 2026, laboratory results matched the DNA from the two previous sexual assaults with that obtained from the suspect.
The next day, Wednesday, April 15, 2026, police arrested Gramey WELDESELSA, 37, of Calgary.
WELDESELSA is now charged with two counts of sexual assault and will be in court on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.
Police believe there are other victims and are encouraging anyone with any information to contact them.
A photo of WELDESELSA is available on The City of Calgary Newsroom.
In Canada, there is no time limit on reporting a sexual assault. Anyone who believes they are a victim of sexual assault is encouraged to report it, even if many years have passed since the incident. Learn more about consent and reporting sexual assault: www.calgary.ca/sexualassault.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact police by calling 403-266-1234. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers through any of the following methods:
TALK: 1-800-222-8477
TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org
APP: P3 Tips
Case #: CA24510434/CA23314393/4668
