On Aug. 1, 2023, at approximately 4 a.m., Didsbury RCMP officers observed a suspicious vehicle in downtown Didsbury.  A traffic stop was initiated after the vehicle failed to stop at a stop sign.  While in contact with the male driver, officers observed a female youth sitting on a bench 10 meters across the street from the location of the traffic stop. The male driver advised officers he was in Didsbury to meet a female whom he was speaking with online.

Officers spoke with the female youth who confirmed the male driver was coming to pick her up.  The female youth confirmed she was communicating with male over an app.  The female youth advised she was not aware she was communicating with an adult and confirmed they were meeting up for a sexual encounter.

Francisco Xavier Aguilar Serrano (22), a citizen of the United States of America residing in Airdrie has been charged with Child Luring. 

After a Judicial Interim Release Hearing, he was released to appear at Alberta Court of Justice in Didsbury on Aug. 28, 2023.  As part of Aguilar Serrano’s release conditions, he is to have no contact with any person under the age of 16.

“The awareness of our officers yesterday morning led to their intervention of a serious incident and prevented further offences from occurring, ensuring the safety of the female youth,” said Staff Sergeant Stephen Browne, Didsbury RCMP Detachment Commander.  “This is a serious reminder for parents or guardians to monitor social media access of their children, and to have those serious conversations about being safe while utilizing social media.”