A Grande Prairie man is facing 17 criminal charges after four separate RCMP investigations over two months investigations that kept opening because the accused kept being released from custody and allegedly kept offending.
Joseph Kidd, 32, of Grande Prairie was charged following a news conference Thursday where Grande Prairie RCMP Superintendent Mark MacDougald laid out a timeline of alleged offences involving four complainants between the ages of 12 and 18. Some of those alleged offences happened while Kidd was under court-imposed conditions from a previous arrest.
Kidd is currently in custody. His next court appearance is July 2 in Grande Prairie.
RCMP released a photo of Kidd and his vehicle a yellow convertible Chevrolet Camaro and are asking anyone who believes they may be a victim to come forward.
"Parents and guardians, please show the picture to your children and talk to them about safe use of social media," said MacDougald. "Because of the specific circumstances in this, it is alarming to the public, and that is why we're bringing the information to your attention today."
The first investigation April
The first complaint came on April 17 when a 14-year-old girl from British Columbia walked into an RCMP detachment.
She told police she had met Kidd on social media. MacDougald confirmed Kidd drove to BC to pick her up and brought her back to his residence in Grande Prairie. She was there for approximately one week from April 11 to 17 before she was able to leave when Kidd went to work.
Kidd was charged with sexual assault, sexual interference, forcible confinement, assault while choking, and two charges of unsafe storage of a firearm.
He was initially remanded until April 20. A judge released him on April 30 with several conditions.
The second investigation May
Less than two weeks after his April 30 release, police responded to a 911 call at Kidd's residence on May 10.
RCMP say Kidd had driven to Lloydminster and picked up an 18-year-old woman. The two drove back to his Grande Prairie home. RCMP allege Kidd assaulted her when she refused to have sex with him. She called 911 from the house.
Kidd was charged with assault, sexual assault, assault while choking, and three counts of failing to comply with his release conditions.
He was released again on June 1 by a justice of the peace with several conditions and a $7,500 cash bail, with an order to appear in court on June 22.
The third and fourth investigations — June
Both came in on June 18 four days before his scheduled court appearance.
A 15-year-old girl came to the Grande Prairie RCMP detachment to report that Kidd had been following her and offered her alcohol to get into his vehicle. She said she first met Kidd on June 4 and that other incidents followed. On one occasion, RCMP allege Kidd drove her to his residence and sexually assaulted her before she left.
Kidd was charged with criminal harassment, sexual interference, sexual assault, and failing to comply with release conditions.
On the same day, a mother called 911 to report that a man driving a yellow convertible Chevrolet Camaro had tried to lure her 12-year-old daughter into his car.
"RCMP and the Grande Prairie Police Service responded immediately, completed immediate patrols and located Kidd driving the suspect vehicle," MacDougald said.
Kidd was charged with abduction of a person under the age of 14 and failing to comply with release conditions. He was remanded into custody and appeared in court June 22.
Social media, three releases, and what RCMP is saying
RCMP confirmed Kidd contacted some of his alleged victims through social media. Police did not specify which platforms were used.
The case raises direct questions about why a person facing sexual offence charges involving minors was released twice before additional victims came forward. MacDougald was clear about where that responsibility sits.
"Release decisions are made independently of the police, are made through a judicial process and subject to the legal framework that applies to all accused people in Canada," he said. "Police present the information and evidence during the investigation, but ultimately decisions about release, detention and conditions are made through the court process."
When asked whether police plan to increase surveillance of Kidd if he is released again, MacDougald called it inappropriate to address publicly.
What comes next
Kidd's next court appearance is July 2 in Grande Prairie. No trial date has been set. The allegations have not been tested in court.
RCMP believe it is possible there are additional victims who have not yet come forward. If you have information contact Grande Prairie RCMP at 780-830-5700 or 780-830-5701. To remain anonymous contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or at p3tips.com.
Sources:
Grande Prairie RCMP, news conference statements, Superintendent Mark MacDougald, June 25, 2026
Alberta RCMP, Joseph Kidd charges announcement, June 25, 2026 (rcmp.ca
