Listen to this article
Estimated 2 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
WARNING: This article may affect those who have experienced sexual violence or know someone affected by it.
A 50-year-old Lethbridge man faces a number of charges, including sex trafficking of teens, after police discovered three teenage girls who said they had been held against their will in his apartment.
Skye Atoa is charged with unlawful confinement, sexual exploitation, human trafficking, sexual assault, sexual interference and obtaining sexual services of a child.
On Dec. 19, officers with the Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) were called to Atoa’s downtown apartment for reports that a 14-year-old girl was being held against her will.
Police say they found the girl inside, in medical distress.
Held for 3 days
At the hospital, the girl told officers she’d been forcibly confined for three days and repeatedly sexually assaulted by the homeowner and other men. She also said she was forced to consume drugs.
A man who answered the door was arrested.
When police executed a search warrant on the apartment, officers discovered two more teenaged girls — 15 and 16 years old — inside the unit.
The older teens reported they’d been held inside the apartment for several hours, during which time they told police the man had exposed himself.
Police release photo
Police have also charged Atoa in connection with a sexual assault that took place in October involving a “vulnerable” 24-year-old woman who reported she was sexually assaulted in Atoa’s home.
In that case, Atoa faces charges of sexual assault and a prostitution-related offence.
Following a bail hearing Monday, Atoa was ordered released on conditions that include a no-contact and no communication order with anyone under the age of 18.
He is also required to stay away from anyone involved in the sex trade.
Atoa must also reside in a treatment centre and receive counselling for drug abuse.
He is due back in court next month.
Police have released Atoa’s photograph in an effort to encourage others with information, who may not know him by name or may only know him by an alias, to come forward, an LPS media release says.