A man from Bellingham, Wash., has been charged with six sex offences involving a teenage girl, and police in Abbotsford, B.C., worry there may be more victims on both sides of the border.
Todd Hildebrand, 40, is a permanent resident of the United States, but is a Canadian citizen, and police say the man would have had access to children in Canada and the United States.
Abbotsford Police Constable Ian MacDonald wouldn't say why they believe there might be more victims, noting a sweeping publication ban in the case.
"We have at least a reasonable suspicion that there could be others and we are encouraging those others, regardless of their nationality, to come forward to either the Abbotsford Police or, in the case of folks potentially in the United States, to their local law enforcement and tell their stories if they are victims."
Mr. Hildebrand is accused of two counts each of sexual assault, sexual interference and invitation to sexual touching in connection with incidents that are alleged to have taken place a decade ago.
Const. MacDonald said the man was arrested after a woman came forward in August to complain about alleged incidents that happened when she was 13 years old.
"We know that in the time that's transpired in between he was on both sides of the border and would have had access and opportunity to kids and young people in that time frame."
Mr. Hildebrand was arrested and charged in Canada last month and has promised to appear back in court later this month.
Const. MacDonald said Mr. Hildebrand is married to an American woman and continues to live in Washington state.
The man has been placed under court ordered conditions to stay way from public parks, school grounds, and daycare and recreation centres where anyone under the age of 16 might be expected to be found.