Derek Taplin. (Three Hills RCMP)

By rdnewsNOW staff

2002-2004

Three Hills RCMP charge male with historic sexual assaults

Mar 29, 2023 | 10:43 AM

Central Alberta Mounties have made an arrest in connection with an alleged historic sexual assault.

On June 10, 2021, 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 will be escorted back to the Province of Alberta.

Derek Taplin, 43, 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)

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.

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

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.

RCMP say a court date for Taplin is unknown at this time. The investigation, however, is ongoing.

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