Sheriff of Alberta: Stephen Dienes in the service of the provincial government

An Edmonton man accused of sexually abusing a teenager is a member of the Alberta Sheriff's Office, CTV News Edmonton confirmed.

Stephen Frank Dienes, 52, is accused of sexually abusing a 16-year-old boy in 2022 after befriending him on a social media app.

On Wednesday, Edmonton police announced that he had been charged with sexual assault, false imprisonment and sexual exploitation, adding that there may be more victims.

“We are aware that a member of the Alberta Sheriff's Office was arrested by the Edmonton Police Service. I am unable to comment further on the matter as the investigation is ongoing,” Sheena Campbell of the Ministry of Public Safety and Emergency Response said in a statement to CTV News Edmonton on Wednesday evening.

“As an employer, the Government of Alberta is following our standard protocols to ensure a full review of the matter can be conducted. For privacy reasons, we cannot provide any further information regarding his employment.”

A man with the same name is also listed on the website as the coach of the St. Albert Raiders U18 hockey team.

Dienes is scheduled to appear in court on October 22.