Following a lengthy RCMP Serious Crimes Branch investigation into allegations of historical physical and sexual child abuse in Edson, Mounties say two individuals have been charged with a series of offences related to crimes allegedly committed between 2005 and 2011.
On March 21, 2024, 51-year-old Jimmy Allen Fransen, a resident of Fort McMurray, was arrested and charged with:
- Sexual assault;
- Sexual assault with a weapon;
- Sexual interference with a child under the age of 16;
- Sexual exploitation;
- Making and possession of child pornography; and
- Failure to provide the necessaries of life.
photo provided by RCMP Serious Crimes Branch
Mounties say Fransen was taken before a Justice of the Peace and released on bail including conditions that restrict contact with children. Fransen’s next court appearance is set for May 7, 2024, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Edson.
Additionally, on April 8, RCMP arrested 43-year-old Sherina Maria Handsor, a resident of Sandy Beach. She has been charged with:
- Assault causing bodily harm;
- Assault with a weapon, forcible confinement; and
- Failure to provide the necessaries of life.
photo provided by RCMP Serious Crimes Branch
Following the initial arrest of Jimmy Fransen, the RCMP Serious Crimes Branch says it received information on unrelated allegations of child sexual abuse arising out of Fort McMurray, between 2017 and 2023.
As a result of that investigation, on April 6, Jimmy Allen Fransen and 45-year-old Brenda Disher, also known as Brenda Fransen, both residents of Fort McMurray, were charged with:
- Making, distribution and possession of child pornography;
- Sexual assault;
- Sexual interference involving a child;
- Sexual exploitation; and
- Trafficking a person under the age of 18.
photo provided by RCMP Serious Crimes Branch
Police say both were taken before a Justice of the Peace and released on bail, including conditions restricting contact with children. They are scheduled for court on April 29, 2024, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Fort McMurray.
RCMP further say that information received during the course of the investigation suggests there may be other victims or individuals who may have information regarding the involvement of Jimmy Fransen, Brenda Disher (also known as Fransen) and Sherina Marie Handsor in offences against children. In an effort to assist potential victims and witnesses, RCMP are providing photographs of all three suspects.
—
Anyone with information about this crime or those responsible are being asked to contact the RCMP Serious Crimes Branch at 780-509-3290. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1‐800‐222-8477 (TIPS), by Internet at www.tipsubmit.com or by SMS (check your local Crime Stoppers www.crimestoppers.ab.ca for instructions).
