Northern Alberta man accused of soliciting children for sex on First Nation

An RCMP epaulette is seen in Edmonton, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

Update: Atkinson was found not guilty in May 2026.

A Valleyview man has been charged for allegedly offering children money for sex in Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation.

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RCMP said 49-year-old Shawn Atkinson was arrested on Tuesday in connection with an investigation into a May 5 report that a man was offering to pay children for sex on the First Nation.

Atkinson is facing two charges of assault and one charge of obtaining sexual services for consideration by a person under 18.

He was released and is scheduled to appear at the Alberta Court of Justice in Valleyview on June 19.

The Town of Valleyview is about 300 kilometres northwest of Edmonton.