Calgary Police charge father and son – Gurpartap and Sumrit Walia – for sexual exploitation, assault of multiple youths

CALGARY Police announced on Friday that they had arrested and charged a father and son who are believed to be responsible for the sexual exploitation, assault and extortion of multiple teenage girls over the course of several months.

In April, police located a 13-year-old girl who had previously been reported missing. The girl disclosed to police that she was in a relationship with a 24-year-old man who allegedly provided her with alcohol, drugs, and vapes in exchange for sex. Subsequently, the Calgary Police Service Child Abuse Unit launched an investigation.

Police learned that the 24-year-old man and his 56-year-old father work at and own Haddon Convenience Store, located at 208 Haddon Road S.W. They also own Premier Liquor Wine and Spirits, located next door to the convenience store, where the assaults occurred.

As the investigation progressed, officers determined that the father and son were providing vapes, marijuana, cigarettes and alcohol to multiple other teenage girls, who were sexually assaulted at the businesses. It is believed the incidents occurred between December 2022 and May 2023. The girls were not able to legally consent, as the age of consent in Canada is 16.

On Thursday, June 1, police arrested both suspects. Police executed a search warrant at a residence located in the 100-block of Panamount Close N.W., which resulted in the seizure of 975 grams of cocaine with a street value of $97,500, and seven handguns.

Search warrants were also executed at the two businesses, which resulted in the seizure of a computer with child pornography, drugs and drug paraphernalia, contraband tobacco, vape cartridges and collapsible batons.

As a result, Sumrit Walia, 24, has been charged with:

One count of sexual interference with a minor, one count of sexual exploitation, one count of sexual assault, one count of possession of child pornography, one count of accessing child pornography, one count of creating child pornography, seven counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, one count of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, one count of extortion, three counts of uttering threats, one count of selling contraband tobacco to youth and one count of breach of a court order.

He was scheduled to appear in court on Friday, June 2.

Gurpartap Singh Walia, 56, is charged with four counts of sexual assault, four counts of sexual interference with a minor and one count of selling contraband tobacco.

He is scheduled to appear in court Thursday, June 22.

“These are incredibly serious charges, where vulnerable youths were being targeted, exploited and forced to enter a dangerous lifestyle,” said Staff-Sgt. Darren Smith of the Calgary Police Service Child Abuse Unit. “Thankfully, with the support of Alberta Health Services, Alberta Gaming Liquor and Cannabis Commission, and The City of Calgary, we have been able to stop the continued exploitation of these young girls, and with our partners at the Luna Child and Youth Advocacy Centre, will be able to support the victims moving forward.”

The victims are being supported by the Luna Child and Youth Advocacy Centre that provides wrap-around support for children, youths and families who have been impacted by severe and complex abuse. For more information on how to recognize the signs of child abuse and what to do if you suspect a child or youth is being abused, please visit their website at www.lunacentre.ca.

Anyone who is a victim of child sexual exploitation or abuse, or believes they know someone who is, is asked to contact the police non-emergency number at 403-266-1234, or call 9-1-1 for a crime in progress, or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously using any of the following methods:

TALK: 1-800-222-8477

TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org

APP: “P3 Tips”

CA #23206506/3444