Former civilian employee with Edmonton police charged with sexual assault, child luring

Edmonton police have charged a 32-year-old man with several sexual offences against a minor after the suspect allegedly lured a 14-year-old boy through Snapchat and sexually assaulted him. 

Yasin Cetin, 32, was charged Thursday with sexual assault, sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching, luring a child under 16, making child pornography and distribution of child pornography, Edmonton Police Service said in a news release Friday. Police said Friday they believe there could be other victims and are encouraging anyone with information to contact police. 

Last summer, detectives from the Child Protection Section determined a male suspect had sexually assaulted a 14-year-old boy after meeting him through Snapchat, police said in the news release.  

The suspect was known to use the alias and display name BadLee on Snapchat, the release said.

Cetin has been involved in various local and national youth initiatives, police said. He was a former civilian member of EPS, who resigned from the organization last May. The assault had not been reported to police while he was employed with EPS, the news release said.

Cetin has been released with conditions, including no contact or communication with anyone under 16 years of age, and staying away from public swimming areas, schools, daycare centres, playgrounds, youth shelters or public libraries.

 Cetin's lawyer, Will van Engen, said in a statement that his client intends to defend himself in court. 

"Mr. Cetin is a respected member of the community. He vehemently denies the accusations against him and maintains his innocence to the charges."