Police charge man following sexual assault of young girl

We have charged a 63-year-old man after it is believed he sexually assaulted a young girl inside a tailor shop in southeast Calgary.

On Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, a woman and her daughter were attending a local business located in the 3500 block of 17 Avenue S.E., when they ran into an acquaintance who was working at a tailor shop in the same area.

The three had a brief interaction and the man invited the girl to wait for her mother in his tailor shop, while she attended a nearby business.

The mother agreed and continued towards the business, while the girl went inside the tailor shop. While inside, it is believed the man forced the girl to sit on his lap while he touched her inappropriately and sexually assaulted her.

The girl left the tailor shop and located her mother nearby where she disclosed the incident. The girl’s family later contacted police and our Child Abuse Unit launched an investigation.

On Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, police attended Absalat Tailor located at 3509 17 Ave. S.E., and arrested Zufan Seyoum GELETE.

GELETE is charged with sexual assault and sexual interference with a person under the age of 16. He will next appear in court on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025.

The victim and her family have been connected with supports at the LUNA Child & Youth Advocacy Centre.

Anyone who believes they are a victim of sexual assault is encouraged to report it regardless of when it occurred, and anyone with information about this, or similar incidents, 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

CA24500612/4986