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
Poilievre will do 'anything to win,' must condemn Alex Jones endorsement: Trudeau
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is ramping up his attacks on Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre as he promotes his government's federal budget.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
Ottawa injects another $36M into fund for those seriously injured or killed by vaccines
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
All Alberta wildfires to date in 2024 believed to be human-caused: province
There are 63 wildfires burning in Alberta's forest protection area as of Wednesday morning and seven mutual aid fires, including one in the Municipal District of Peace.
Video shows suspects waving weapons, smashing glass in Toronto jewelry store robbery
Arrests have been made after five men were captured on video rampaging through a jewelry store in Toronto, waving weapons and smashing glass display cases.
Ex-SNC executive sentenced to prison term in bridge bribery case
The RCMP says a former SNC-Lavalin executive has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison in connection with a bribery scheme for a bridge repair contract in Montreal.
What Canadians think of the latest Liberal budget
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.