Police charge family friend after reports from two children
The Lethbridge Police Service has charged a 30-year-old man after investigators say two young girls reported being sexually assaulted by a family friend.
According to the police, reports were first received on July 18 when a 12-year-old disclosed to a friend that she had been assaulted on multiple occasions. That girl reported three separate incidents alleged to have taken place between June 2024 and May of this year. During the investigation, officers identified a second alleged victim, a 10-year-old who reported an incident from last summer.
Police have charged Nicholas Tilbe, 30, of Lethbridge with a total of five criminal counts: four counts of sexual interference and one count of sexual assault.
"A family friend who regularly spent time with the children was identified as the accused,"
The accused was released from custody under a number of specific conditions. Those restrictions are designed to limit contact with children and prevent situations that could place minors at risk.
- No contact with either victim or any children under the age of 16;
- Prohibited from attending public pools, schools and school grounds, daycares, playgrounds, youth shelters or libraries unless accompanied by an adult family member;
- Forbidden from holding volunteer positions or employment that would place him in a position of trust or authority over persons under 16.
Court dates and legal definitions
Tilbe is scheduled to appear in Lethbridge court on two separate dates related to the investigations: Sept. 8 and Sept. 22.
| Accused | Age | Charges | Court dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nicholas Tilbe | 30 | 4 counts — sexual interference; 1 count — sexual assault | Sept. 8 and Sept. 22 |
Sexual interference is the Criminal Code charge applied when police allege a person touched someone under the age of consent — under 16 in Canada — for a sexual purpose. Sexual assault is a separate charge that covers a range of non-consensual sexual activity.
Community supports and next steps
Police encouraged survivors to access support services. The provincial support line noted in the police release is Alberta’s ONE LiNE for Sexual Violence, a toll-free talk and text line at 1-866-403-8000, which also operates an online chat service. The service offers emotional support, information and referrals for survivors.
As the matter proceeds through the courts, the charges will need to be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The police statement did not provide further details about investigative evidence or any defence position. The presence of publication restrictions often accompanies cases involving young victims; the police release did not indicate any additional limitations on reporting.
For Lethbridge residents, the case underlines the vulnerability of children within familiar social circles and the role of timely reporting and police follow-up. The accused remains subject to the court-imposed restrictions intended to protect the alleged victims and other minors while the legal process unfolds.
