Man suspected of sex offences against 100 kids used Snapchat, cannabis, booze to lure victims

Investigators in Edmonton are looking to speak with about 100 kids who they believe may have been lured and abused by a man charged with more than a dozen sexual offences. Imesh Ratnayake, 21, was arrested in July on allegations of sexual assault, sexual interference and making and transmitting child pornography. On Tuesday, Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) announced an additional 18 charges including sexual assault, luring a child and obtaining sexual services for consideration from a child. There are six known victims aged 11 to 13 years old and all are from the Edmonton area, investigators said. Additional victims may be located anywhere in the world. “There was a degree of transactional behaviour involved in these incidents,” Sgt. Kerry Shima said. “Our investigative theory is that Mr. Ratnayake was luring the children using things like vapes, marijuana and alcohol.” Ratnayake contacted the kids on Snapchat, Shima said. “We need parents to be on board with their kids and their applications and start talking about what these apps are used for. Have your kids teach you stuff,” he suggested. “Enhancing digital literacy is a really big part of that. Sometimes when we ask our kids to teach us things
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