Southeast Calgary business owner charged with sexual assault of young girl in shop
A 63-year-old man has been charged with the sexual assault of a young girl in a southeast Calgary tailor shop. (Vasco Maria/CTV News Calgary)
A 63-year-old man has been charged with the sexual assault of a young girl in a southeast Calgary tailor shop.
Police say the incident happened on Nov. 21, 2024, in the 3500 block of 17 Avenue S.E.
According to police, a mother left her daughter in the care of an acquaintance working at a tailor shop while she went to another establishment nearby.
It's alleged the acquaintance "forced the girl to sit on his lap while he touched her inappropriately and sexually assaulted her."
The girl left and found her mom, telling her about the incident, police say.
Police were later contacted and, following an investigation, Zufan Seyoum Gelete was arrested at Absalat Tailor on Dec. 12, 2024.
His arrest and charges were announced on Thursday.
Gelete is charged with the following:
- Sexual assault; and
- Sexual interference with a person under the age of 16.
He'll appear before a judge on Jan. 22.
The charges against him have yet to be proven in court.
In a YouTube video posted about a year ago, Gelete is seen promoting the tailor shop.
He's identified as the tailor shop's owner and operator in the video.
Investigation continues, and anyone with information about this incident, or similar incidents, is asked to contact police at 403-266-1234.
Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
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