Man charged in child luring incident
We have arrested and charged a man in relation to the luring of a teen girl through a website advertising childcare services.
In May 2022, the girl had advertised babysitting services online and was contacted by a man who was posing as a parent in need of a babysitter for his daughter. While the conversation started out professional, it quickly turned inappropriate when the man allegedly sent the girl sexual comments via text message and requested her to send him inappropriate photos in exchange for money.
The girl then notified her mother about the inappropriate exchange and her mother contacted police.
Over the next several months, investigators worked to confirm the identity of the man, who was believed to be using a false name. As a result of a thorough investigation, officers were able to confirm the man was using the name “Derek” which was not his name.
On Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022, police executed a search warrant in the 2200 block of 32 Avenue S.W. The accused was arrested in the area of Crowchild Trail and Memorial Drive N.W.
Scott Charles MALBEUF, 48, is charged with one count of luring a child under the age of 18 via a telecommunications device.
MALBEUF will next appear in court on Monday, Nov. 28, 2022.
Police encourage all parents to talk to their children about what to do when a stranger is making them uncomfortable, and to ask for help, including notifying the police.
Parents and caregivers can ensure kids stay safe online by following these online safety tips:
- Protecting personal information. Do not provide information like birthdates, addresses, your full name or other personal details to strangers online.
- Knowing what appropriate and inappropriate behaviour is. Understanding and talking to kids about how to interact with other people online and through social media, and what to do if they experience inappropriate behaviour. It is illegal to solicit sexual or explicit photos of minors and these requests should be reported immediately.
- Understanding who is on the other end. It’s important for kids to understand that not everyone who they interact with online is who they say they are. If things seem suspicious, notify a trusted adult immediately.
Anyone who is a victim of child sexual exploitation or abuse, or believes they know someone who is, is asked to contact the police non-emergency number at 403-266-1234, or call 9-1-1 for a crime in progress, or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously using any of the following methods:
TALK: 1-800-222-8477
TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org
APP: "P3 Tips"
CA22178766/5101