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EDITOR’S NOTE: This story contains details of alleged crimes involving minors. Reader discretion is advised.
EDMONTON — An Edmonton man accused of child luring and sexual exploitation is facing 17 additional charges after investigators identified more alleged victims through a forensic review of seized electronic devices.
Police say Heman Palani, 36, was charged Dec. 4 as part of a joint investigation by ALERT’s Internet Child Exploitation unit and the Edmonton Police Service Child Protection Section. He was first arrested in April.
Investigators say four additional victims have now been identified, all between 14 and 17 years old. Two victims were identified at the time of the initial arrest. Police believe Palani used social media platforms to target teen girls in Edmonton and surrounding communities before meeting them in person.
Staff Sgt. Alison Church of ALERT ICE said investigators continue to recognize the courage of victims who have come forward and the support being provided through the Zebra Child and Youth Advocacy Centre.
The new charges include four counts of child luring, four counts of obtaining sexual services from a person under 18, three counts each of possession and making child sexual abuse and exploitation material, one count of sexual assault and two counts of failing to comply with probation.
Police say Palani used several online aliases, including itsz ariel, lookn4sugarbabe, rayaplz5minutes, sugaring4ababy, 21RaysofSun, fennecfox7830, hermesthefox and fockxindahenhouse. He also used the names Zane and Hemi.
Investigators say the investigation is ongoing and additional victims or witnesses may still be identified. Anyone with information is asked to contact Edmonton police at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Those outside Edmonton are advised to contact their local police service. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Palani remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on Friday.
ALERT is a provincially funded law enforcement agency focused on serious and organized crime.
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual exploitation or abuse, support is available. In Alberta, the Zebra Child and Youth Advocacy Centre provides specialized services for children and youth. Kids Help Phone is available 24 hours a day at 1-800-668-6868 or by text at 686868.
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