Parents charged in connection to sexual assault of infant

By Lethbridge Herald on January 20, 2023.

Staff Sgt. Pete Christos speaks to reporters Friday afternoon at the Lethbridge police station after a father and mother were charged in connection with the assault and sexual assault of their six-week-old daughter. Herald photo

Alejandra Pulido-Guzman – LETHBRIDGE HERALD – apulido@lethbridgeherald.com

A father and mother have been charged in connection with the assault and sexual assault of their six-week-old daughter.

Staff Sgt. Pete Christos spoke to reporters Friday afternoon and said the charges stem from a call LPS received on Jan. 18.

“Police were called to a northside home to check on the welfare of a six-week-old baby girl after receiving information she was being abused,” said Christos. 

He said that upon arrival officers located the baby in medical distress. Both the mother and father were present in the home. 

“EMS subsequently transported the baby to hospital. Her injuries were found to be extensive, and she is currently in critical condition,” said Christos. 

He said an investigation determined the baby had been assaulted and sexually assaulted multiple times over the past six weeks.

A 52-year-old male is charged with one count of failure to provide necessaries of life, one count of aggravated assault, one count of sexual assault, and one count of sexual contact with a child. 

A 31-year-old woman is charged with failing to provide the necessaries of life. 

They both appeared in Lethbridge provincial court Friday via CCTV in Courtroom 7 represented by Duty Counsel.  

They remain in custody and their matters were adjourned to Jan. 25 in Courtroom 1 to obtain legal counsel and make a determination about a bail hearing. 

Due to the nature of the charges, the identities of the accused are not being released in order to protect the identity of the victim.

During the his talk with the media, Christos spoke about the importance of people coming forward with information about others being abused. 

“In this particular case we’re dealing with a victim who is extremely vulnerable, I mean we’re looking at a six-week-old girl, so it’s important for people to step up, otherwise we may not know about it,” said Christos. 

He said that as of Friday afternoon the victim was still in hospital and in critical condition. 

“She’s been monitored by medical staff there, and I’m sure she’s getting the best attention available,” said Christos. 

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