Four Medicine Hat men have been charged in connection to an investigation of sexual offences involving youth.
In late February 2021, the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) Major Crimes Section received information that a youth was involved in providing adult men with sex in exchange for profit. The subsequent investigation revealed that three youth, ranging in age from 12 to 15 years old, had been communicating with adult men to provide sex in exchange for money, drugs, alcohol and/or tobacco.
The legal age of consent in Canada is 16, and therefore some of the victims could not legally consent at the time of the offences.
Resulting from this investigation:
Cory James Dominaux, 36-years-old, of Medicine Hat, AB is charged with:
- Two counts of obtaining sexual services from a person under 18 years
- Two counts of sexual assault on a person under 16 years
- Two counts of sexual contact with a child under 16 years
- Two counts of luring a child under 16 years
- One count of trafficking a controlled substance
Next court appearance: April 27, 2021
Micheal Beauchesne, 19-years-old, of Medicine Hat, AB is charged with:
- Two counts of obtaining sexual services from a person under 18 years
- Two counts of sexual assault on a person under 16 years
- Two counts of sexual contact with a child under 16 years
- Two counts of luring a child under 16 years
- One count of trafficking a controlled substance
Next court appearance: April 16, 2021.
Cody Spencer Riddell, 21-years-old, of Medicine Hat AB is charged with:
- Obtaining sexual services from a person under 18 years
- Sexual assault on a person under 16 years
- Sexual contact with a child under 16 years
- Luring a child under 16 years
- Trafficking a controlled substance
Next court appearance: April 14, 2021.
Simarjeet Singh Bhathal, 25-years-old of Medicine Hat, AB is charged with:
- Two counts of Obtaining sexual services from a person under 18 years
- Three counts of Sexual assault on a person under 16 years
- Three counts of Sexual contact with a child under 16 years
- Three counts of Luring a child under 16 years
Next court appearance: April 14, 2021.
The youth involved in this file are being offered supports and counselling.
The investigation is ongoing and investigators believe there may be people who may have more information related to this case, and encourage them to come forward. Anyone with information relating to these crimes is asked to contact the MHPS at 403-502-8914.
Media Contact:
S/Sgt Darcy Brandt
Major Crimes Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8421