Edmonton police have released the name and photograph of a man charged with sexually assaulting a minor, saying they believe there may be other victims who have not yet come forward.
Marklester Cruz, 41, was arrested on Thursday, July 30 and charged with sexual assault of a minor and sexual interference.
The charges remain before the courts and have not been tested.
Why police released his identity
EPS set out its reasoning in the release, which is worth reading closely, because naming an accused before trial is not routine.
Investigators say Cruz is known to host vulnerable youth from the community at his residence in northwest Edmonton. Police believe his interactions in the community may have brought him into contact with other young or vulnerable people who have not been identified.
"Based on information obtained during the investigation, the EPS has reasonable grounds to believe Cruz may continue to pose a risk to vulnerable youth," the release states.
Police say they are releasing his identity and photograph in the interest of public safety, and to ensure potential victims are aware an investigation exists.
He was released with conditions on August 21
Cruz was released from custody on Friday, August 21, on several court-imposed conditions.
He is prohibited from possessing any weapons, including firearms, ammunition, explosives, knives, or other items that could be used to cause injury or intimidate others.
He is prohibited from attending parks, swimming areas, schools, daycare centres, community centres, or other locations where children under 16 are present or reasonably expected to be present.
He may not work or volunteer in any position of trust or authority involving people under 16.
He must not have contact with anyone under 16 unless a parent or guardian is present.
If you or someone you know had contact with him
Anyone who may have had contact with Cruz, or who has information about similar incidents, is asked to contact the Edmonton Police Service at 780-423-4567, or #377 from a mobile phone.
Anonymous information can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at p3tips.com/250.
Two things worth knowing before you decide.
There is no limitation period for sexual offences in Canada. A complaint can be made years after an incident, and there is no deadline that closes.
You also don't need to have decided whether you want charges laid in order to speak with police. Investigators take statements from people who are still working out what they want to do.
Support is available
Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton operates a 24-hour crisis line at 780-423-4121, with support by phone and chat.
The Alberta One Line for Sexual Violence is 1-866-403-8000, available by phone, text and chat, connecting callers to services across the province.
Kids Help Phone is free and confidential, 24 hours a day, at 1-800-668-6868, or text CONNECT to 686868.
EPS also offers support through its victim services unit.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
What happens next
The charges are before the courts, and Cruz remains subject to the court-imposed conditions while the case proceeds.
None of the allegations has been proven.
Sources
Police charge man with sexual assault of a minor and seek additional complainants — Edmonton Police Service, media release CP26R004, August 25, 2026
Comments
Conversation