A 52-year-old man has been arrested by the Edmonton Police Service for allegedly sexually assaulting a minor. The police suspect there may be additional victims.
The arrest follows an investigation into a reported sexual assault on a teenage boy that occurred on September 10. The investigation revealed that in May of 2022, Stephen Frank Dienes allegedly befriended a 16-year-old boy using social media with the intent of engaging in sexual contact. Later that year, he allegedly assaulted the teen at his residence.
According to officials, investigators believe there may be other young boys who were lured via social media and then sexually assaulted.
Dienes has been charged with sexual assault, unlawful confinement, and sexual exploitation. His next court appearance is scheduled for October 22, 2024.
“We believe that there may be other victims. If you have been assaulted by Dienes, we encourage you to come forward and report it to police,” said Det. Brian McGuigan with the EPS Sexual Assault Section. “Most importantly, we want to remind anyone who has been victimized by Dienes: it is not your fault. We are here to help.”
Anyone who believes they have been victimized by Dienes is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com/250.
