Lethbridge man released on bail after multiple sex-related charges

By Lethbridge Herald on January 13, 2026.

By Alejandra Pulido-Guzman

Lethbridge Herald

A 50-year-old male has been released on bail after being charged by Lethbridge Police with unlawful confinement, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking in connection with multiple incidents where vulnerable girls were targeted and sexually assaulted last month.  

Staff Sgt. Ashlin Snowdon with the Criminal Investigation Section said during a press conference Tuesday afternoon, that on Dec. 19, 2025, police responded to a report that a 14-year-old girl was being held in an apartment along the 500 block of 8 Street South. Upon arrival, a male answered the door, and the girl was located inside in medical distress. The victim was transported to hospital.

He said the male was later arrested without incident and following the execution of a search warrant, two additional girls aged 15 and 16, were found inside the residence after being unlawfully confined for several hours. 

Snowdon said the identity of the victims will not be released to protect their privacy. 

“The investigation determined that the 14-year-old victim was unlawfully confined and repeatedly sexually assaulted by the male and other men over a three-day period,” said Snowdon. 

He added that during the assaults, the 14-year-old was also forced to consume drugs. 

“As a result of the investigation, 50-year-old Skye Atoa is charged with human trafficking of a person under 18, sexual assault of a child under 16, sexual interference, obtaining sexual services of a child for consideration, indecent exposure to a child under 16, sexual counsel of a child and three counts of unlawful confinement,” said Snowdon. 

He added that Atoa is also charged in connection with a previous sexual assault in October 2025, where a 24-year-old vulnerable female was sexually assaulted at his residence. In that case, Atoa is charged with sexual assault and obtaining for consideration sexual services/communicating for the purpose of sexual services.

“Those charges were recently laid as a result of continued investigation and evidence uncovered during the investigation as well,” said Snowdon. 

He explained that the October case was being investigated and while Atoa was in custody they were in a position to lay additional charges in relation to that investigation. 

“Atoa, who has been in custody since his arrest in mid-December, was granted bail following a hearing in court Monday. He is anticipated to be released from custody today with numerous conditions. His next court appearance is Feb. 2,” said Snowdon. 

He said some of the release conditions include not having any contact with the victims or witnesses, and no communication or contact with any person under 18-years-old.

Snowdon said the investigation is ongoing and there is evidence to suggest there may be additional, unidentified victims.

“I encourage and ask anyone who may be a victim or may have information to come forward and contact us,” said Snowdon. 

Lethbridge Police is releasing Atoa’s photograph in an effort to encourage unidentified victims, who may not know him by name, or many only know him by an alias, to come forward. 

After information about this case was made public, many took to social media to share their thoughts on what to do with Atoa with many suggesting vigilante action, to which Snowdon cautioned against it. 

“Public safety is our number one priority, and we encourage everyone to allow the process to take its course and to not take matters into their own hands,” said Snowdon. 

Anyone who has been victimized, or has further information that may assist investigators, is asked to call police at 403-328-4444 and reference file 25059360.

Anonymous online tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers atwww.p3tips.com or by calling 1-800-222-8477.