(Dreamstime)

By Sheldon Spackman

November 2024

Trial dates scheduled in alleged historic sexual assaults

Oct 26, 2023 | 2:38 PM

Trial dates have been scheduled for a man charged in connection with alleged historic sexual assaults in central Alberta.

Derek Taplin, 43, is scheduled for trial in Drumheller Court of Justice from Nov. 26-29, 2024.

It was on June 10, 2021, when Three Hills RCMP initiated an investigation after receiving a report regarding an alleged historic sexual assault. According to police, on March 28, 2023, Derek Taplin was apprehended by Winnipeg Police Service on a Canada Wide Warrant and was to be escorted back to Alberta.

Taplin, a resident of Winnipeg, has been charged with the following:

• Sexual Exploitation of a Young Person (x4)
• Sexual Interference ( x4)
• Sexual Assault (x4)
• Invitation to Sexual Touching (x4)

Last seen Nov. 28

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Through investigation, police say they have identified four alleged victims from multiple incidents at the Prairie College in Three Hills, spanning a two-year period from 2002 to 2004. RCMP say the investigation is still ongoing and police believe there may be more victims and are urging any other victims or anyone with information to come forward.

To aid in this investigation, RCMP released a photo of Taplin.

Related: Three Hills RCMP charge male with historic sexual assaults

Mounties say sexual assault is a serious crime, and the Three Hills RCMP investigates every complaint thoroughly, with the utmost professionalism and care. Police note, a complaint for sexual offences can be made at any time, no matter how far back the incident happened.

If you are a survivor of sexual assault or harassment, or if you have information about a crime of sexual nature that may assist an ongoing investigation, please contact the Three Hills RCMP at 403-443-5539.

If you would like to remain anonymous, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), by downloading the secure P3 Mobile App, or by submitting a form online at P3Tips.com.

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