Man with Lakeland ties charged with sexual assault in Edmonton

A man with ties locally has been charged with sexual assault crimes in Edmonton in late October.

It was reported to police that on Thursday, Sept. 24, the accused and an 18-year-old female complainant met face-to-face at an Edmonton mall, after having conversations held on a dating app, EPS said last Thursday.

It is alleged that the next day, the young woman agreed to attend the accused male’s residence, where she was sexually and physically assaulted.

In a different incident, it is alleged that the same male met a 16-year-old female on a social media app and began a friendship. The accused and teen complainant then met face-to-face at the teen’s residence, where it is alleged the accused sexually and physically assaulted her.

On Thursday, Oct. 22, investigators arrested and charged Keenan Wayne Burlaka, 20, with sexual assault with a weapon, sexual assault, forceful confinement, choking to overcome resistance, strangulation, making sexual explicit material available to a child with intent, and breach of conditions.

Burlaka is known in the Bonnyville area, as GIS units in town and Cold Lake. In late February, police seized three gaming consoles, one computer, three cell phones and an electronic storage device during a search warrant investigation.

As a result, he was released on conditions to abstain from the use of any social media and not to be in the presence of a minor without their guardian/parent present.

Police said he’s known as “Greene” and/or “Kai” online, it is alleged that Burlaka uses social media platforms to meet and befriend young females, before meeting in person and sexually assaulting them.

Investigators are releasing a photo of the accused, as they believe there may be other complainants.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation and/or has had similar experiences with Burlaka 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.