Police charge male in connection with sexual assault, exploitation of a child

Posted on 31 May 2022 by Prairie Post

Lethbridge Police have charged a 43-year-old male with sexual assault and exploitation in relation to incidents involving a 15-year-old girl.

The investigation is ongoing and police believe there may be additional victims.

On April 28, 2022 a 16-year-old girl reported that she had been sexually assaulted by an adult male who is known to her. Investigation by members of the Criminal Investigation Section determined the girl – who was 15-years-old at the time – had been staying with the male at his home, was provided with drugs and sexually assaulted on multiple occasions over the course of several months in 2021.

Further investigation resulted in the seizure of electronic devices that contained images of child pornography.

Based on the investigation to date, police believe the male had contact with other young girls and anyone who was victimized is asked to call Sgt. Saska Vanhala at 403-330-5049 or Cst. Dave Warner 403-330-5183.

James Robert Martinac, 43, of Lethbridge, is charged with sexual assault, sexual exploitation, assault, uttering threats, possession of child pornography and causing a child to be drug endangered.

Martinac is currently in custody and is scheduled to appear in court May 31 for a bail hearing.