The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) Child Protection Section detectives have charged a 53-year-old male in relation to sexual assaults initiated by luring female youth using a popular social media platform.
Police say Horacio Benitez, 53, befriended three female youth, two 14-year-olds and a 12-year-old, using the social media application Snapchat under the username @used2bc between December 2023 and early March 2024. During that time, he offered to purchase vapes, marijuana and alcohol in exchange for nude images, videos and in person sexual contact.
“We are concerned that other young females may have been potentially lured by Benitez through Snapchat,” says Det. Nicole Davie with the EPS’ Child Protection Section. “We believe that there may be other victims out there. If you have been in contact with Benitez, we encourage you to come forward and report it to police.”
All three youth continue to be supported by the Zebra Child & Youth Advocacy Centre.
Horacio Benitez has been charged with two counts each of sexual assault, sexual interference, Invitation to sexual touching, luring of a child, luring a child, obtain sexual service of a child for consideration and distribute cannabis to youth – person under 18 years, and make child pornography, possess child pornography, making sexually explicit available to a child.
His next court appearance is April 2.
Anyone who believes they have been victimized by the accused is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone.
Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com/250.
