RCMP have charged a Whitecourt resident in connection to an investigation into child abuse allegations in Edson.
Albert RCMP say they are continuing their investigation into child abuse allegations involving several individuals. Following the initial arrest of 43-year-old Sherina Maria Handsor, a resident of Sandy Beach, AB, officers with the RCMP Serious Crimes Branch say they arrested 45-year-old Nicole Kathleen Barrett, a resident of Whitecourt, in connection to the same investigation involving Handsor.
On Friday, April 24, 2024, RCMP say they arrested and charged Nicole Barrett with;
- Failure to Provide Necessities of Life (x3);
- Assault.
Police say Barrett was taken before a Justice of the Peace and released on bail including conditions that restrict contact with the victims. The Justice of the Peace set Barrett’s next court appearance for Tuesday, May 28, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Whitecourt.
Mounties say five new victims have come forward to the RCMP reporting historical child abuse offences while in Handsor’s care in Whitecourt and Quesnel, BC. RCMP say they have identified two additional victims, totaling seven new victims of child abuse. As a result, on Wednesday, April 29, 2024, RCMP say they charged Sherina Maria Handsor with 13 additional charges related to historical child abuse including;
- Failure to Provide Necessities of life (x7);
- Assault with a weapon;
- Assault causing bodily harm;
- Assault (x3);
- Administrating noxious substance (x2).
Handsor was taken before a Justice of the Peace and remanded into custody. Officials say Handsor’s next court appearance is set for Wednesday, May 1, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Stony Plain.
READ MORE: Alberta RCMP Serious Crimes Branch concludes lengthy child abuse investigation.
Mounties say information received during the course of the investigation suggests there may be other victims or individuals who may have information regarding the involvement of Sherina Maria Handsor and Nicole Kathleen Barrett in offences against children. RCMP are asking anyone with information about this crime or those responsible to call the 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).