Joel Carlson (Image Credit: Vernon-North Okanagan RCMP)

By James Peters

Sex Assault Investigation

Kamloops man charged in Vernon sex assault; RCMP urge other potential victims to come forward

Sep 28, 2020 | 2:57 PM

VERNON, B.C. — RCMP are releasing the photo of a Kamloops sex assault suspect, hoping it will prompt any additional victims to come forward.

Joel Eric Carlson, 28, has been arrested and charged with one count each of sexual assault and forcible confinement. The charges come after Vernon-North Okanagan RCMP investigated the sexual assault of a teenager.

According to an RCMP news release, officers were alerted in August to a connection made between a suspect and teenaged victim via social media. The suspect presented himself as younger than he actually was and arranged a meeting between the two.

“Once the accused was alone with the victim, she was allegedly sexually assaulted,” said Cpl Tania Finn, Media Relations Officer with the Vernon-North Okanagan RCMP.

RCMP are releasing Carlson’s photo in hopes any other victims will contact them.

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“Investigators believe there may be additional victims who have not already reported to the police,” said Finn. “To ensure the safety of our community and to further the investigation, the RCMP is releasing a photo and asking any who may have had contact with this individual to contact us.”

Anyone with more information on Carlson is asked to contact Vernon-North Okanagan RCMP’s Cst. Saad Iqbal at (250) 545-7171. Alternatively, they can contact Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous at 1 (800) 222-8477.