The man suspected of kidnapping two children in Saskatchewan, prompting an Amber Alert Monday, had previously been convicted of sexual assault and possession of child pornography, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said Tuesday.
On Monday night, federal police issued a yellow alert to locate Luna and Hunter Potts, ages 7 and 8, respectively. They were allegedly kidnapped by Benjamin Martin Moore, a 50-year-old man with a serious criminal record who also allegedly implicated the children’s mother, Leah Potts, in his escape.
“We believe these children are in grave danger,” Superintendent Tyler Bates said in an update to the media on Tuesday.
It all allegedly started when the RCMP were called in to assist the Department of Social Services in an investigation into “allegations” about the suspect that were not detailed. However, when they arrived at the family home on August 2, investigators found that everyone had already fled the scene.
However, the RCMP had to wait for the Department of Social Services to issue an arrest warrant before they could issue a yellow alert.
Police say there is evidence that the couple and their two children are in South Dakota, USA. However, the refugees may attempt to return to Canada, Mr Bates said.
According to the Regina Leader Post, Moore had criminal records in 2007 and 2009 for molestation of a minor and possession of child pornography.
He was released in 2011, prompting Regina Police to alert the public. The suspect would be good at making friends with children’s parents or grandparents in order to approach his victims, police said.
Benjamin Martin Moore is reported to be driving a dark blue 2015 Chevrolet Equinox with an Alberta registration number SCS2492.