The man suspected of kidnapping two children in Saskatchewan, leading to an Amber Alert on Monday, had previous convictions for sexual assault and possession of child pornography, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said on Tuesday. .
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On Monday evening, federal police issued an Amber alert in an attempt to locate Luna and Hunter Potts, aged 7 and 8 respectively. They were allegedly kidnapped by Benjamin Martin Moore, a 50-year-old man with a heavy criminal record who also allegedly involved the children’s mother, Leah Potts, in his run.
“We believe these children are in grave danger,” Officer Tyler Bates said in an update to the media on Tuesday.
It all reportedly started when the RCMP were called in to support the Department of Social Services in an investigation into ‘allegations’ about the suspect which have not been detailed. However, when they arrived at the family’s 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 order before they could issue an Amber Alert.
According to the police, there are indications that the couple and the two children are in the United States, in South Dakota. The fugitives could however try to return to Canada, mentioned Mr. Bates.
According to Regina Leader PostMoore had previous convictions for molesting minors and possessing child pornography in 2007 and 2009.
He was released in 2011, prompting Regina police to warn the public. The suspect is said to be good at forming friendships with parents or grandparents of children so he can get close to his victims, police said.
Benjamin Martin Moore is said to be driving a dark blue 2015 Chevrolet Equinox sporting an Alberta plate with the number SCS2492.