Vermilion RCMP are urging the public to stop sharing rumours online after two separate investigations led to a search warrant, the seizure of rifles, and multiple serious charges against a Vermilion man.

Two Complaints Spark Search Warrant

Police executed the search warrant on Dec. 2, 2025 at a Vermilion residence, following two unrelated complaints involving the same suspect.

The first report came in Oct. 20, when Vermilion RCMP received allegations of an adult engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a youth under 18.

The second incident occurred Nov. 3, when the suspect allegedly assaulted a man.

Both files led officers from Vermilion RCMP, Kitscoty RCMP, and the Kitscoty Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) to search the home, where they seized evidence and three rifles.

Charges Laid

As a result, Justin Reid, 41, of Vermilion, has been charged with:

▪️ Luring a child
▪️ Sexual exploitation of a young person
▪️ Aggravated assault
▪️ Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
▪️ Unauthorized possession of a firearm (x3)

Reid was remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear in Alberta Court of Justice in Wainwright on Dec. 4, 2025.

RCMP: Online Rumours Causing Harm

Police say misinformation spreading on social media is already causing issues for the victims involved.

“These two investigations have created a lot of rumours and misinformation on social media,” said Cpl. Brittany Pegg, Acting Detachment Commander of Vermilion RCMP. “For the sake of the victims, we ask the public to remove any speculative and hateful comments they may have made online.”

Pegg stressed that online posts can cause real harm to victims and families and may even lead to criminal charges, including criminal harassment, uttering threats, extortion, assault, and defamatory libel.

She also encouraged parents to monitor their children’s online activity to prevent bullying behaviour.

For more information on youth online safety, cyberbullying, and prevention resources, the RCMP directs the public to RCMP.ca – Youth – Bullying & Cyberbullying and Public Safety Canada’s bullying prevention resources.