Tyler Robb King after being named assistant General Manager, Business Operations, for Okotoks, Social media image
OKOTOKS, Alta. — Following the arrest of former Fort McMurray sports and media personality Tyler Robb King, who also worked with hockey organizations in Okotoks, Brooks, Nanaimo and Ontario, Alberta RCMP are encouraging anyone who believes they may have been a victim of sexual exploitation to come forward.
Police say victims can come forward without fear, blame, or judgment, adding they are there to help and support anyone who may have been a victim of King.
King, 39, was arrested Oct. 30 at the Lansdowne border crossing near Kingston, Ont., following an investigation into allegations involving underage Junior A hockey players from Alberta and Saskatchewan.
The former Okotoks Oilers assistant general manager and junior hockey commentator faces three counts of luring a person under 18, sexual exploitation of a young person and making child pornography.
Three complainants, all under the age of 18 at the time of the alleged offences, have been identified. However, the RCMP believe there may be additional victims.
“If you’re unsure or believe you were a victim, please contact your local police,” said Cpl. Dan Campbell of the Southern Alberta District General Investigation Section during a Monday news conference.
The investigation began in June 2024 after an employee of the Okotoks Oilers Hockey Association reported allegations involving a former staff member soliciting and compensating players for intimate images and sexual videos.
Campbell said the investigation has identified complainants from Alberta and Saskatchewan, but King previously worked with hockey organizations in several other communities.
Those include Fort McMurray, Brooks, Okotoks and Nanaimo, as well as Ontario.
King was a sports and media personality in Fort McMurray from 2011 to 2015, including serving as communications manager for the Fort McMurray Oil Barons.
The RCMP are also encouraging parents and caregivers to have regular conversations with children about personal safety, healthy boundaries and the dangers of sexual exploitation, including sextortion.
Campbell said those conversations can help young people recognize inappropriate behaviour, identify grooming and manipulation tactics, and understand when to seek help.
“Children should know that if someone makes them feel uncomfortable, pressures them into sexual activity, or requests intimate images, they can safely reach out to a parent, trusted adult, or police,” Campbell said.
He emphasized the importance of creating an environment where children feel safe discussing their experiences and reporting concerns.
“Reinforcing that they will be supported without fear of blame or judgment can help children feel comfortable reporting concerns.”
Police are urging anyone who believes they may have been victimized, or is uncertain whether their experiences constitute exploitation, to contact their local police service.
If you are a victim of this, or any other crime, Wood Buffalo Victim Services is available to help access resources, advocate, and navigate various supports provincewide. They are available online at: http://www.rmwb.ca/victimservices or by phone at 780-788-4250
King was remanded into custody following a judicial hearing and has been returned to Alberta to face the charges.
These allegations have not been proven in court.
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