Charges include trafficking a person under the age of 18, sexual exploitation, child porn, sexual assault, assault with a weapon, administering noxious substance, failure to provide necessities of life, assault causing bodily harm
Alberta RCMP Serious Crimes Branch conclude lengthy child abuse investigation – update
Albert RCMP continue their investigation into child abuse allegations involving several individuals. Following the initial arrest of Sherina Maria Handsor (43), the RCMP Serious Crimes Branch arrested Nicole Kathleen Barrett (45), a resident of Whitecourt, Alta.
This is in connection to the same investigation involving Handsor.
On April 24, RCMP arrested and charged Nicole Barrett with three counts of failure to provide necessities of life and assault.
Barrett was taken before a Justice of the Peace and released on bail including conditions that restrict contact with the victims. Barrett’s next court appearance is set for May 28, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Whitecourt.
Five new victims have come forward to the RCMP reporting historical child abuse offences while in Handsor’s care in Whitecourt and Quesnel, BC.
RCMP identified two additional victims, totalling seven new victims of child abuse. As a result, on April 29, RCMP charged Sherina Maria Handsor with 13 additional charges related to historical child abuse including seven counts of failure to provide necessities of life, assault with a weapon, assault causing bodily harm, three counts of assault, and two counts of administering a noxious substance.
Handsor was taken before a Justice of the Peace and remanded into custody. Her next court appearance is set for May 1, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Stony Plain.
Information received during the course of the investigation suggests that there may be other victims or individuals who may have information regarding the involvement of Sherina Maria Handsor and Nicole Kathleen Barrett in offences against children.
In an effort to assist potential victims and witnesses, RCMP are providing an additional photograph of both suspects.
If you have any information about this crime or those responsible please call the RCMP Serious Crimes Branch at 780-509-3290.If you wish to remain anonymous you can contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1‐800‐222-8477 (TIPS), by Internet at www.tipsubmit.com or by SMS (check your local Crime Stoppers www.crimestoppers.ab.ca for instructions).
Two people were charged in March after a lengthy RCMP Serious Crimes Branch investigation into allegations of historical physical and sexual child abuse in Edson between 2005 and 2011.
On March 21, Jimmy Allen Fransen (51), of Fort McMurray, was arrested and charged with sexual assault, sexual assault with a weapon, sexual interference with a child under 16, sexual exploitation, making and possessing child pornography, and failing to provide necessities of life.
Fransen was taken before a Justice of the Peace and released on bail including conditions that restrict contact with children. Fransen’s next court appearance is set for May 7 at the Alberta Court of Justice in Edson.
Additionally, on April 8, RCMP arrested Sherina Maria Handsor (43), of Sandy Beach, Alta. She has been charged with assault causing bodily harm, assault with a weapon, forcible confinement, and failing to provide necessities of life.
Following the initial arrest of Jimmy Fransen, the RCMP Serious Crimes Branch received information on unrelated allegations of child sexual abuse arising out of Fort McMurray, between 2017 and 2023.
As a result of that investigation, on April 6, Jimmy Allen Fransen and Brenda Disher (also known as Brenda Fransen) (45), both residents of Fort McMurray, were charged with making, and distribution and possession of child pornography. sexual assault, sexual interference involving a child, sexual exploitation, and trafficking a person under the age of 18.
Both were taken before a justice of the peace and released on bail, including conditions restricting contact with children. They are scheduled for court on April 29, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Fort McMurray.
Information received during the course of the investigation suggests that there may be other victims or individuals who may have information regarding the involvement of Jimmy Fransen, Brenda Disher (also known as Fransen) and Sherina Marie Handsor in offences against children. In an effort to assist potential victims and witnesses, RCMP are providing photographs of all three suspects.
If you have any information about this crime or those responsible at the RCMP Serious Crimes Branch at 780-509-3290.If you wish to remain anonymous you can contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1‐800‐222-8477 (TIPS), by Internet at www.tipsubmit.com or by SMS (check your local Crime Stoppers www.crimestoppers.ab.ca for instructions).
