Youth leader at local church charged with sexual assault

A teen church leader, who is now an adult and frequently works alone with children at church, has been charged in relation to sexual assaults that occurred approximately 10 years ago.

In August 2023, a child victim, who is now an adult, came forward to police to report multiple instances of sexual assault that happened between 2011 and 2013. It is believed the sexual assaults took place at the El Renacer church where the victim was a member, as well as a residence in the northwest community of Panorama Hills. In each of these instances, investigators believe the victim, who was approximately seven years old at the time, was forced into unwanted sexual acts by the accused.

The accused cannot be named under provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act as he was a youth at the time of the offences. He has been charged with one count of sexual assault and one count of invitation to sexual touching with a child under 16 years old.

“It takes immense courage for victims of sexual assault to come forward to police, especially under these circumstances,” says Det. Tim Fitzgibbon of the Calgary Police Service Sexual Assault Investigations Unit. “I want to thank the victim for speaking out.”

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.

Anyone with information about this incident, 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

Case #: CA23340922/4996