A father and son who own both a southwest Calgary liquor and convenience store are facing multiple sex assault and child pornography charges.
In April this year, Calgary police located a 13-year-old girl previously reported missing. The girl told police she was in a relationship with a 24-year-old that is alleged to have provided her with alcohol, drugs and vapes in exchange for sex.
The CPS Child Abuse Unit immediately launched an investigation.
According to police, the 24-year-old and his 56-year-old father own and work at Haddon Convenience Store, located at 208 Haddon Road SW. Premier Liquor Wine and Spirits is also owned by the pair.
Police had determined that the father and son were providing vapes, marijuana, cigarettes and alcohol to multiple teenage girls. Police allege they were also sexually assaulted at the business. Police said the incidents occurred between December 2022 and May 2023.
Police also said the girls were not able to legally consent, with the age of consent in Canada being 16.
On June 1, both the father and son were arrested after a warrant was executed in the 100 block of Panamount Close NW. Police seized 975 grams of cocaine and seven handguns.
They also executed search warrants at both businesses and seized a computer with child pornography, drugs and drug paraphernalia, contraband tobacco, vape cartridges and collapsible batons.
The accused
Sumrit Walia, 24 is facing 20 charges, including sexual exploitation and sexual assault, along with child pornography and drug-related charges. His father, Gurpartap Singh Walia, 56 is facing four counts of sex assault, four of sexual interference and one of selling contraband tobacco.
“These are incredibly serious charges, where vulnerable youths were being targeted, exploited and forced to enter a dangerous lifestyle,” said Staff Sergeant Darren Smith of the Calgary Police Service Child Abuse Unit.
“Thankfully, with the support of Alberta Health Services, Alberta Gaming Liquor and Cannabis Commission, and The City of Calgary, we have been able to stop the continued exploitation of these young girls, and with our partners at the Luna Child and Youth Advocacy Centre, will be able to support the victims moving forward.”
