An Edmonton group home care worker was charged with sexual offences allegedly committed against an 11-year-old.
The ALERT Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) unit arrested Samer Temraz, 40, on Nov. 5 after the RCMP’s National Child Exploitation Coordination Centre alerted local police Temraz had accessed child pornography.
After Temraz was arrested, ICE searched thousands of images in his electronic devices and found evidence of sexual assault against a minor.
The victim was under Temraz’s care at the group home where he worked, which ALERT did not name to protect the 11-year-old.
Staff Sergeant Stephen Camp said Temraz’s duties included “general day-to-day care of the children … taking care of health and well-being.”
Temraz was charged with sexual assault, sexual exploitation, sexual interference, possession of child pornography, transmitting child pornography and making child pornography.
The 40-year-old has been in custody since he was arrested. He appeared in court Wednesday and his next court visit was scheduled for Jan. 8.
The Minister of Children’s Services, Danielle Larivee, commented on the case, as the victim is in the foster system.
“I was obviously devastated to hear about that. No child should ever be exposed to any kind of sexual violence.”
The ministry said all agency staff undergo extensive screening and ongoing monitoring by their employers. Homes must submit their hiring and screening policies, as well as documentation of staff screenings, to apply and maintain their license under the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act. Licensing occurs annually.
Police believe there may be additional victims, and investigators are contacting and interviewing minors who have had contact with Temraz.
If you have information about this investigation, you are encouraged to contact police or cybertip.ca.
