Kamloops man charged with sexual assault of Vernon teenager

A 28-year-old Kamloops man has been charged with sexual assault and forcible confinement of a teenage girl he contacted through social media and RCMP say there may be more victims who haven’t come forward yet.

Police investigated an allegation of sexual assault from a teenage girl in August, in which the suspect pretended to be younger than he was, according to a Vernon RCMP media release.

RCMP say once the suspect was alone with the girl, she was allegedly sexually assaulted.

“Investigators believe there may be additional victims who have not already reported to the police,” Vernon RCMP media relations officer Cpl. Tania Finn said in the release. “To ensure the safety of our community and to further the investigation, the RCMP is releasing a photo and asking any who may have had contact with this individual to contact us.”

Joel Eric Carlson, 28, of Kamloops was arrested and charged with sexual assault and forcible confinement.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Const. Saad Iqbal at the Vernon RCMP non-emergency line of 250-545-7171. Or remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or leaving a tip online at www.nokscrimestoppers.com.

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