Calgary father, son arrested for child sexual exploitation, assault, extortion
A Calgary father and son face a lengthy list of criminal charges after being arrested in connection with the sexual exploitation, assault and extortion of multiple teen girls.
According to police, the crimes occurred over several months at a pair of family businesses -- Haddon Convenience Store and Premier Liquor, Wine and Spirits -- located next to each other in the city's southwest.
It's believed the accused -- Sumrit Walia, 24, and Gurpartap Singh Walia, 54 -- provided multiple teen girls vapes, marijuana, cigarettes and alcohol and sexually assaulted them at the businesses.
"Vulnerable youths were being targeted, exploited and forced to enter a dangerous lifestyle," said Staff Sgt. Darren Smith with the CPS child abuse unit.
Police say their investigation started when they found a missing 13-year-old.
The youth told police she'd been with a 24-year-old man, saying he'd provided her vapes, drugs and alcohol in trade for sex.
The two Walias were arrested Thursday, following raids of their businesses as well as a residence located in the 100 block of Panamount Close N.W.
Police seized a computer containing child porn, as well as drugs, drug paraphernalia, other contraband, weapons and cash.
The younger Walia, Sumrit, faces the following charges:
- Sexual interference with a minor;
- Sexual exploitation;
- Sexual assault;
- Possession of child pornography;
- Accessing child pornography;
- Creating child pornography;
- Unlawful possession of a firearm (x7);
- Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking;
- Extortion;
- Uttering threats (x3);
- Selling contraband tobacco to youth; and
- Breach of a court order.
He was scheduled to appear in court Friday.
His father, Gurpartap, faces the following charges:
- Sexual interference with a minor (x4);
- Sexual assault (x4); and
- Selling contraband tobacco.
He'll appear in court June 22.
Police say the victims are being supported by the Luna Child and Youth Advocacy Centre.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors say capital gains tax changes will jeopardize their retirement. Is that true?
The Canadian Medical Association asserts the Liberals' proposed changes to capital gains taxation will put doctors' retirement savings in jeopardy, but some financial experts insist incorporated professionals are not as doomed as they say they are.
Something in the water? Canadian family latest to spot elusive 'Loch Ness Monster'
For centuries, people have wondered what, if anything, might be lurking beneath the surface of Loch Ness in Scotland. When Canadian couple Parry Malm and Shannon Wiseman visited the Scottish highlands earlier this month with their two children, they didn’t expect to become part of the mystery.
Fair in Ontario, flurries in Labrador: Weather systems make for an erratic spring
It's no secret that spring can be a tumultuous time for Canadian weather, and as an unseasonably mild El Nino winter gives way to summer, there's bound to be a few swings in temperature that seem out of the ordinary. From Ontario to the Atlantic, though, this week is about to feel a little erratic.
What do weight loss drugs mean for a diet industry built on eating less and exercising more?
Recent injected drugs like Wegovy and its predecessor, the diabetes medication Ozempic, are reshaping the health and fitness industries.
He replaced Mickey Mantle. Now baseball's oldest living major leaguer is turning 100
The oldest living former major leaguer, Art Schallock turns 100 on Thursday and is being celebrated in the Bay Area and beyond as the milestone approaches.
What a urologist wants you to know about male infertility
When opposite sex couples are trying and failing to get pregnant, the attention often focuses on the woman. That’s not always the case.
'It was instant karma': Viral video captures failed theft attempt in Nanaimo, B.C.
Mounties in Nanaimo, B.C., say two late-night revellers are lucky their allegedly drunken antics weren't reported to police after security cameras captured the men trying to steal a heavy sign from a downtown business.
Bank of Canada officials split on when to start cutting interest rates
Members of the Bank of Canada's governing council were split on how long the central bank should wait before it starts cutting interest rates when they met earlier this month.
Made-in-Newfoundland vodka claims top prize at worldwide competition
A Newfoundland-made vodka has been named one of the world’s best by judges at this year’s World Vodka Awards.