A Winnipeg man is accused of using social media to lure two young teen girls before committing sexual assault.
Winnipeg police said Thursday the adult used social media between March and April to pose as a 17-year-old to gain the girls’ trust and form a relationship before sexually assaulting them.
Police began investigating last month and made an arrest Tuesday.
“It’s something we are seeing more and more,” said police spokesman Const. Claude Chancy.
“These two victims, or survivors, were courageous enough to bring forward their reports to police. If there are other victims, or survivors, we would like to talk to them.”
Police are asking anyone with information to call them at 204-986-6245 or through Crime Stoppers at 204-786-TIPS.
Sherry Gott, Manitoba’s Advocate for Children and Youth, said her office is concerned about sexual exploitation of children, youth and young adults.
“While the scope of this issue is difficult to accurately measure, given its hidden and underground nature, we continue to be made aware of young people who are at immense risk of harm or death on a daily basis, and who are without sufficient supports and protections to mitigate these risks,” Gott said.
“We believe educating children, youth, young adults, and their families about safe internet use is one action that can help to prevent sexual exploitation.”
Kalib Naseeb Debusschere, 22, has been charged with two counts of sexual interference, two counts of luring a person under 16 years of age by telecommunication and one count of sexual assault. He has been released with an order not to be in contact with anyone under 18 years of age.
According to court records, Debusschere has no prior convictions in this province, but he was charged with similar offences in January 2023. Those charges were stayed by prosecutors in November.
kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca
Kevin Rollason
Reporter
Kevin Rollason is one of the more versatile reporters at the Winnipeg Free Press. Whether it is covering city hall, the law courts, or general reporting, Rollason can be counted on to not only answer the 5 Ws — Who, What, When, Where and Why — but to do it in an interesting and accessible way for readers.
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