A Medicine Hat man has been charged with kidnapping a woman who responded to a casual housekeeping employment opportunity posted on social media.

On January 14th, 2023, members of the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) responded to a call from a woman who reported that she had been confined to a vehicle and driven into a secluded area against her will. The woman was able to exit the vehicle she was travelling in with the accused as it slowed, on Saamis Drive (old Redcliff Highway) near 23rd Street NW, before calling 9-1-1. Upon receiving the call, officers immediately responded and located her walking in the same area. Based on the information provided by the woman a suspect vehicle and the male accused were located a short time later.

The investigation revealed that the woman had arranged to be picked up by the accused in Medicine Hat after responding to a request for house cleaning services posted by the accused on social media. The man who lives in Medicine Hat, AB, and the complainant are not believed to have been known to one another before this incident.

In consultation with the Crown Prosecutors Office, the MHPS has charged Lester Landry, age 65 years, with one count of kidnapping. Landry was released from custody with a condition to not contact the victim and is scheduled to appear in Provincial Court on February 28, 2023.

Media Contact:

Inspector Joe West
Operational Services Division
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8414