Edmonton police charge 52-year-old man for sexually assaulting minor boys

A 52-year-old man has been arrested and charged for sexually assaulting a minor. The EPS Sexual Assault Section says there may be additional complainants.

The arrest comes after the police began investigating the report of a sexual assault on a teenage boy that occurred on September 10.

Subsequent investigations revealed that in May 2022, the 52-year-old man, identified as Stephen Frank Dienes, allegedly befriended a 16-year-old boy using social media with the intent of engaging in sexual contact. Dienes then allegedly sexually assaulted the teen later that same year at his residence, said police in a news release Wednesday.

According to officials, investigators say there may be other young boys who might have been lured via social media and then sexually assaulted. The EPS has released Dienes’ photo to encourage anyone else who may have been victimized to come forward.

“We believe that there may be other victims. If you have been assaulted by Dienes, we encourage you to come forward and report it to police,” said Det. Brian McGuigan with the EPS Sexual Assault Section. “Most importantly, we want to remind anyone who has been victimized by Dienes: it is not your fault. We are here to help.”

Stephen Frank Dienes, 52, has since been charged with sexual assault, unlawful confinement and sexual exploitation. His next court appearance is on October 22, 2024.

Anyone who believes they have been victimized by Dienes is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com/250.