Man charged with sexual assault of minor released on conditions; Edmonton police seek additional complainants
Marklester Cruz, 41, arrested in July; court restrictions prohibit him from parks, schools, and contact with minors. Police believe he may have contacted other vulnerable youth.
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Edmonton police have charged Marklester Cruz, 41, with sexual assault of a minor and sexual interference, and investigators believe there may be other victims who have not yet come forward.
Cruz was arrested on July 30 and released on August 21 under court-imposed conditions. He is prohibited from possessing weapons of any kind, including firearms, ammunition, explosives, knives, or other items that could be used to cause injury or intimidate. He cannot attend parks, swimming areas, schools, daycare centres, community centres, or other locations where children under 16 are present or reasonably expected to be present.
Cruz is also barred from working or volunteering in any position of trust or authority involving persons under 16 and must not have contact with anyone under 16 unless a parent or guardian is present.
Investigators have learned that Cruz is known to host vulnerable youth from the community at his residence in northwest Edmonton. The Edmonton Police Service believes his interactions within the community may have brought him into contact with other young and potentially vulnerable individuals who have not yet been identified. Based on information obtained during the investigation, EPS has reasonable grounds to believe Cruz may continue to pose a risk to vulnerable youth.
Police have released Cruz's identity and photograph in the interest of public safety and to ensure potential victims are aware of the investigation.
Anyone who may have had contact with Cruz or who may have information regarding similar incidents is encouraged to contact the Edmonton Police Service at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information may be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
The facts
Who was charged and what are the charges?
Marklester Cruz, 41, was charged with sexual assault of a minor and sexual interference.
When was Cruz arrested and released?
Cruz was arrested on July 30, 2026, and released on August 21, 2026, under court-imposed conditions.
Where are the locations Cruz is prohibited from attending?
Marklester Cruz cannot attend parks, swimming areas, schools, daycare centres, community centres, or other locations where children under 16 are present or reasonably expected to be present.
What contact restrictions does Cruz have with minors?
Marklester Cruz must not have contact with anyone under 16 unless a parent or guardian is present, and cannot work or volunteer in any position of trust or authority involving persons under 16.
