Lethbridge suspect charged with multiple sex offences against child victim

Lethbridge… ALERT’s Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit has charged a Lethbridge man with a number of sex offences allegedly committed against a 13-year-old girl.

Gary Lippa, 37, was arrested by the ICE Unit on February 22, 2018, at his Lethbridge home. A number of computers and electronic devices were seized.

Lethbridge Police and RCMP provided assistance on the investigation after information was received by police in September 2017. It was reported that the accused was allegedly engaged in sexualized online chats with an underage girl. ICE also believes that nude photos were being exchanged.

ALERT alleges that the suspect made deceptive arrangements to meet with the victim and enticed her away from her caregivers – actions that, under the Criminal Code of Canada, constitute abduction. When the two met in person, the girl was sexually assaulted.

Lippa is scheduled to appear in court on March 9, 2018, on the following charges:

• abduction;
• child luring (x 3);
• sexual assault;
• sexual interference;
• invitation to sexual touching;
• making child pornography;
• accessing child pornography; and
• possessing child pornography.

ICE is not aware of any other victims. However, anyone with information about this investigation or any child exploitation offence is encouraged to contact local police or www.cybertip.ca.