Skye Atoa, 50, of Lethbridge, has been re-arrested by the Lethbridge Police Service just 30 minutes after being released from custody on bail. (Image Credit: Lethbridge Police Service)

By David Opinko

Alleged human trafficker re-arrested by Lethbridge Police 30 minutes after release

Jan 14, 2026 | 2:23 PM

It took just half an hour for the Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) to re-arrest and charge a man for breaching his release order conditions.

LPS reported on Tuesday, Jan. 13, that Skye Atoa, 50, of Lethbridge, was set to be released on bail on charges related to the human trafficking of minors, along with other sex-related offences.

He is also charged in connection with an unrelated sexual assault from Oct. 2025.

Upon his release on Jan. 13, LPS says Atoa was required to go to a court-ordered residence, but after being dropped off at the location, he reportedly made no attempt to comply with the requirements and instead proceeded to a store.

“Through proactive investigation, police observed the subject in the store’s perfume aisle in very close proximity to a young female and he was immediately arrested,” reads a media release from LPS.

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In addition to his previous charges, Atoa is now facing a further count of failing to comply with release order conditions. Following a Judicial Interim Release hearing, he was remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on the new charge on January 15.

Based on the investigation and evidence to date, LPS believes that there may be additional, unidentified victims.

They are releasing his photo in an effort to encourage victims, who may or may not know him by his name, to come forward.

Anyone who has been victimized, or who has further information that may assist investigators, is asked to call LPS at 403-328-4444 and reference file 25059360.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at P3Tips.com, or by using the P3 Tips mobile app.

READ MORE: Lethbridge man charged with human trafficking of minors

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