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By Bob Mackin, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Prince George Citizen

Sexual Exploitation

Judge reserves sentence for man guilty of sexually exploiting teen

Nov 30, 2025 | 8:10 AM

PRINCE GEORGE — A mother told a Provincial Court sentencing hearing in Prince George on Nov. 17 that she put her daughter in a home headed by a Christian man because the girl was vulnerable, in need of guidance and had no father figure.

Instead, the man exploited the teen. He pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing for touching a young person for a sexual purpose and sexual interference of someone under 16.

“It really feels like a super-betrayal,” the woman told Judge David Simpkin.

A publication ban is in effect on facts that could the identity of the victim.

Crown prosecutor Kristina King asked Simpkin for an eight-year sentence. Defence lawyer Wade Jenson proposed two years less a day plus probation. Simpkin reserved decision for a two-hour hearing to be scheduled.

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In October, the man pleaded guilty. He had also been charged with sexual assault and assault by choking.

He worked on a farm in a Robson Valley community but also had a residence in Alberta and met the girl through a religious organization. The offences occurred between July 1, 2022 and June 19, 2023 in BC and June 1, 2023 and May 31, 2024 in Alberta. During the latter period, the man took the victim to his house and they had sexual intercourse while his wife was out of town.

The mother, who said she was sexually assaulted as a child, was given permission to speak in court after the man apologized.

The man said he deeply regretted the betrayal to his own family and the selfishness he displayed in “compromising the innocence of someone.”

“My actions deviate significantly from the beautiful example of how Jesus instructs us to live,” he said.

A pre-sentencing report said he has undergone counselling but is considered a low to moderate risk to reoffend.

The report also said that he had been sexually abused as a child by a family member and that he had a moderate cognitive deficit.

Jenson proposed a shorter jail sentence and longer probation to allow his client to return to work sooner and continue on the path of rehabilitation. He said his client always intended to plead guilty and was “not as blameworthy as a family member or respected professional using their position” to commit such a crime.

King disagreed. Any child living in a home with any adult expects safety, she said.

“Sexual abuse ensuing is a violation of trust and authority, no less than if (the guilty man) had been a biological parent,” King said.

The girl listened to the hearing by web conference and King addressed her at the end. Despite the extreme harm to a child victim of sexual abuse, King said, “that is not, in any way, to say that children who experience sexual violence such as this are broken or incapable of having a wonderful life outside of this.”

With files from Matthew Hillier