Lethbridge, Alta. –
A Lethbridge man faces criminal charges for sexually assaulting and exploiting a child.
On April 28, 2022, police received a report that a 16-year-old girl had been sexually assaulted by a man she knew.
A police investigation found that the 15-year-old girl was staying with the man at her home, where she was given drugs and was sexually assaulted several times for several months in 2021.
Investigators also confiscated electronic devices that contained images of child pornography.
James Robert Martinac, 43, of Lethbridge, was charged with sexual assault, sexual exploitation, assault, threats, possession of child pornography and endangering a child with drugs.
Martinac is under arrest and is scheduled to appear in court on May 31 for a bail hearing.
Police believe the man had contact with other girls. Anyone with information is asked to contact Sgt. Saska Vanhala at 403-330-5049 or Cst. Dave Warner at 403-330-5183.