A Lethbridge man is facing multiple charges following an ALERT investigation into exploitation offences. (Photo: ALERT)

By Christian Oldale

Lethbridge man facing charges in ALERT child luring investigation

Feb 1, 2024 | 11:02 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – A Lethbridge man is facing multiple charges following an ALERT investigation into exploitation offences allegedly committed against a Winnipeg girl.

ALERT’s Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) unit charged the suspect on January 11, 2024 after conducting a search warrant at a Lethbridge home. Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) helped with the search and arrest.

Oscar Cubides Palacio, 35, allegedly sexually exploited the girl using Snapchat. The offences date back to March 2023 when the two met online, and police said he coerced the victim into providing sexually explicit materials.

The offences were reported to Winnipeg Police Service in July 2023, which launched the interprovincial investigation to identify the suspect and make an arrest.

Palacio is charged with:

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• Child luring
• Invitation to sexual touching
• Making child pornography
• Possession of child pornography
• Accessing child pornography
• Making sexually explicit materials available to a minor

Palacio was released from custody on a number of court-imposed conditions, and will have his first court appearance on February 8, 2024.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now.

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