Achi news desk-
The Alberta RCMP Serious Crimes Branch has concluded what it describes as a “lengthy child abuse investigation” into “allegations of historical physical and sexual child abuse in Edson.”
This investigation, along with another unrelated child abuse investigation, led to the indictment of three Alberta adults.
RCMP said the initial investigation involved alleged crimes that occurred between 2005 and 2011.
Two people have since been charged.
Jimmy Allen Fransen, 51, of Fort McMurray, was arrested on March 21 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 failure . to provide the necessities of life.
Fransen was released on bail under conditions that restrict contact with children. He is scheduled to appear in court on May 7 in Edson.
Sherina Maria Handsor, 43, of Sandy Beach, was arrested on April 8, and charged with assault causing bodily harm, assault with a weapon, forcible confinement, and failure to provide the necessities of life.
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The RCMP said that after Fransen was arrested, they received information about “unrelated allegations of child sexual abuse” in Fort McMurray between 2017 and 2023.
They investigated and laid additional charges against Fransen and Brenda Disher (also known as Brenda Fransen), of Fort McMurray, on April 6.
Both have been charged with making, distributing and possessing child pornography, sexual assault, sexual interference involving a child, sexual exploitation, and trafficking in a person under the age of 18.
Both were released on bail with conditions restricting contact with children. They are expected to appear in court on April 29 in Fort McMurray.
Investigators believe there may be other victims “or individuals who may have information about the involvement of Jimmy Fransen, Brenda Disher/Fransen and Sherina Marie Handsor in crimes against children.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact the RCMP Serious Crimes Branch at 780-509-3290.
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