Police in Lethbridge took an accused sex offender back into custody Tuesday after he allegedly breached the conditions of his release less than an hour after being granted bail.
Skye Atoa, already facing charges that include sexual assault, sexual exploitation and human trafficking, had been granted bail earlier in the afternoon.
His charges stem from a Dec. 19 incident in which officers were called to an apartment near downtown Lethbridge following reports that a 14‑year‑old girl was being held inside. Police located the girl along with two others, aged 15 and 16.
According to investigators, the 14‑year‑old reported she had been confined in the apartment for three days and subjected to repeated assaults. She also told police she had been forced to consume drugs.
The two other teens reported being confined for several hours, during which Atoa allegedly exposed himself to them.
As part of his release conditions, Atoa was required to travel directly to a court‑ordered residence. Police say that after being dropped off, he made no attempt to comply and instead went to a nearby store.
Officers conducting proactive monitoring located Atoa in the store’s perfume aisle, standing near a young female. He was immediately arrested.
Atoa now faces an additional charge of failing to comply with release conditions. He has been remanded into custody.
Police are trying to identify the young female witness who was near Atoa at the time of his arrest.
She is described as having a darker complexion, long dark curly hair parted in the middle, and wearing a black top with dark blue pants. She was carrying a small white shopping bag.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Lethbridge Police at 403‑328‑4444 and reference file 25059360.