Sault man charged with luring, sexual assault of youth under 16

A stock photo of a man using a smart phone to communicate on the internet. (File photo/ijeab/FreeP!k)

A 22-year-old man from Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., faces multiple charges, including luring and sexual assault, following an investigation by the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service.

The investigation began on Jan. 18, when at about 5:30 p.m. police received a report that the accused had been sexually involved with a youth under the age of 16 earlier in the month.

“An investigation revealed the accused – knowing the victim was underage – lied about their own age to the victim and engaged in sexual activities with them on two occasions after communicating with them on a messaging app,” police said in a news release Tuesday.

Detectives, assisted by other officers and members of the technological crime unit, located the accused on Jan. 23 and took him into custody.

As a result of the investigation, the man is charged with two counts each of luring a person under 16 years of age by means of telecommunication, sexual assault on a person under 16 years of age and sexual interference. He also faces three additional charges for failing to comply with a release order.

The accused was held in custody pending a bail hearing.

Resources for assault survivors

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

• If you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety, you should call 911.
• A full list of sexual assault centres in Canada that offer information, advocacy and counselling can be found at ReeseCommunity.com. Resources in your community can be found by entering your postal code.
• Helplines, legal services and locations that offer sexual assault kits in Alberta, B.C., Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, Ontario and Nova Scotia can be found here.
• 24-hour crisis line: 1-416-597-8808
• Assaulted Women’s Helpline: 1-866-863-0511
• National Residential School Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419
• Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: [phone]
• Trans Lifeline: 1-877-330-6366
• Sexual misconduct support for current or former members of the Armed Forces: 1-844-750-1648

Read about your rights as a victim here.