A 53-year-old man in Edmonton is facing multiple charges related to child pornography and sexual offenses after allegedly using a popular social media app, Snapchat, to lure junior high-aged girls with drugs and alcohol in exchange for nudes and sexual contact. The Edmonton Police Service began investigating after receiving a report of a sexual assault on a young girl and discovered that the accused had allegedly befriended three girls, ages 12 and 14, through Snapchat. The man used the username @used2bc and offered to purchase vapes, marijuana, and alcohol for the girls in exchange for explicit images and sexual encounters.
The accused, Horacio Benitez, has been charged with numerous offenses including sexual assault, sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching, luring of a child, possession of child pornography, and distributing cannabis to youth. The police are concerned that there may be more victims who were lured by Benitez through Snapchat and are encouraging anyone who has had contact with him to come forward and report it to the authorities. The Zebra Child & Youth Advocacy Centre is providing support to the victims in this case, and Benitez’s next court appearance is scheduled for April 2nd.
Authorities are urging anyone who believes they have been victimized by the accused to contact the Edmonton Police Service at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online. The police are concerned that there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward, and they are hoping to gather more information to ensure the safety of other potential victims who may have been lured by Benitez on Snapchat.
The case involving Horacio Benitez is a troubling example of how predators can use social media platforms to prey on vulnerable young individuals for their own sexual gratification. The charges he is facing highlight the seriousness of these offenses and the impact they can have on the victims. The Edmonton Police Service is working diligently to gather more information and ensure that other potential victims are identified and supported through this process.
The allegations against Horacio Benitez serve as a reminder of the importance of vigilance when it comes to online interactions and the need to educate young people about the risks associated with sharing personal information and images online. Parents and guardians are encouraged to have open and honest conversations with their children about online safety and to monitor their activities on social media platforms to help protect them from potential dangers. The Edmonton Police Service is committed to holding individuals like Benitez accountable for their actions and ensuring that justice is served for the victims in this case.
Join Our Newsletter
Get the latest crime news and updates directly to your inbox. [newsletter]
20 Comments
I think the police should focus on real dangers instead of harmless Snapchat chats.
This is just another example of how social media can be dangerous.
This is outrageous! Parents need to monitor their kids online activity more closely.
Mind your own business! Parenting is a personal responsibility, not a spectator sport. Judging others wont solve anything. Instead of pointing fingers, offer support and guidance to those who may need it. Lets focus on building each other up rather than tearing each other down.
This is why parents need to monitor kids social media use closely.
Mind your own business. Parents should trust their kids and teach them responsible social media use instead of constantly monitoring and controlling them. Its about fostering independence and trust, not suffocating them. Let kids learn to navigate the digital world with guidance, not surveillance.
Is it really the mans fault or are the girls equally responsible?
Do you think social media platforms like Snapchat should implement stricter age verification measures?
Is social media to blame or is it the individuals responsibility?
Its a bit of both, really. Social media influences behavior, but individuals ultimately choose how they engage with it. Blaming one or the other wont solve the issue. Its about finding a balance and taking personal responsibility for our actions online.
I believe social media companies need to do more to protect young users.
Parents should take more responsibility for monitoring their childrens online activity. Its not the job of social media companies to raise kids. Teach them about online safety and set boundaries. Dont rely on others to do your job.
Should social media companies do more to prevent exploitation of minors?
Should social media platforms do more to protect minors from predators?
Should social media platforms like Snapchat have stricter age verification measures?
No, parents should be responsible for monitoring their childrens online activity, not the platforms. If you cant control your childs access to social media, thats on you, not Snapchat. Personal accountability is key.
Should we blame social media or lack of parenting in cases like this?
Is social media really to blame here or is it about individual responsibility?
Individual responsibility plays a major role in how we use social media. Blaming the platform is a cop-out. We need to take ownership of our actions online and use these tools responsibly. Its not about pointing fingers, its about personal accountability.
Doesnt this show the need for better online safety education for kids?