Man charged with sexual offences involving minors in B.C., Alberta and Saskatchewan

Photo courtesy of Grande Prairie RCMP.

A man has been charged with multiple sexual offences involving minors in B.C., Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Grande Prairie, Alta., officers began investigating Joseph Kidd on April 17 after a 14-year-old girl from B.C. came to the northwest Alberta detachment.

The girl told police Kidd drove to B.C. to pick her up after they met through social media. The 32-year-old man allegedly drove her to his home in Grande Prairie, where she was for about a week. She said she was able to leave when Kidd left for work.

As a result of the investigation, Kidd was charged with sexual assault, sexual interference, forcible confinement, assault while choking, and unsafe storage of a firearm.

Kidd was remanded into custody until April 20 and was released on April 30 on several conditions.

Mounties were called to Kidd’s residence on May 10, where Kidd allegedly assaulted an 18-year-old woman he picked up from Lloydminster — which straddles the Alberta-Saskatchewan border — when she refused to have sex with him.

Kidd was arrested and charged with assault, assault while choking, sexual assault, and three counts of failure to comply with a release order.

Following a judicial interim release hearing, Kidd was released on June 1 with several conditions and a $7,500 cash bail to attend court on June 22.

On June 18, a 15-year-old girl reported to police that Kidd had been following her and offered her alcohol if she got into his vehicle.

The girl got into his vehicle on one occasion, and Kidd drove her to his home, where he allegedly sexually assaulted her. Police say there were several such incidents that occurred between June 4 and June 18.

As a result, Kidd was charged with criminal harassment, sexual interference, sexual assault, and failure to comply with release conditions.

On the same day, a mother reported to RCMP that a man was following her 12-year-old daughter in a yellow convertible Chevrolet Camaro and attempted to lure her. Officers patrolled the area and located Kidd driving the Camaro. He was charged with abduction of a person under 14 and failure to comply with release orders.

Kidd has been remanded into custody and appeared in court on Monday. His next court date is scheduled for July 2.

During a press conference Thursday, police were asked why Kidd was continually released into the community.

“Police present the information and evidence during the investigation, but ultimately decisions about release, detention and conditions are made through the court process,” said Supt. Mark McDougall.

“If Mr. Kidd is released, court process will impose conditions as required.”

McDougall added that RCMP hope to prevent further incidents involving Kidd if he is released by informing the public and educating parents and guardians.

Police believe there may be additional victims and are encouraging individuals who believe have been victimized by Kidd, or have any information about his recent offences, to contact Grande Prairie RCMP at 780-830-5700 or 5701. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers.

If you or someone you know is struggling with sexual assault or trauma, the following resources are available to support people in crisis:

• Call 911 if you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety.
• The Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centres' website has a comprehensive list of sexual assault centres in Canada that offer information, advocacy and counselling.
• The Ending Violence Association of Canada‘s website has links to helplines, support services and locations across Canada that offer sexual assault kits.
• Indian Residential School Survivors Society crisis lines: [phone] or [phone] (24/7)
• Toronto Rape Crisis Centre crisis line: [phone] (24/7)
• Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: [phone] (24/7)
• Trans Lifeline: [phone]
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: call or text 988 (24/7)
• Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre for current and former Canadian Armed Forces members: [phone]
• Read about your rights as a victim on the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime website.