Charges have been stayed for a Richmond man who was accused of luring and sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl from Winnipeg in 2019.
In 2020, Radouene Bentroudi, who was 39 at the time, was facing charges for allegedly luring a person under 16, sexual assault, sexual interference and obtaining sexual services from a person under 18.
However, a spokesperson with Manitoba Courts confirmed to the Richmond News that the Crown prosecutor has advised the court of a stay of proceedings for the charges and that no trial was held.
The Manitoba Courts spokesperson added that the Crown determined that there was “no reasonable likelihood of conviction.”
Staying a charge typically means prosecutors have determined that a conviction is unlikely.
The Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) at the time alleged Bentroudi had “picked up an underage girl on the street” and allegedly paid for sex, while in Winnipeg in June 2019.
According to police, Bentroudi allegedly went to the 13-year-old girl’s home, and her guardian was made aware of the incident, according to WPS. He then allegedly made a fake Facebook account and attempted to connect with the victim.
Through an investigation, police claim the account was created by Bentroudi, which prompted a Canada-wide warrant for his arrest.
On July 22, WPS arrived in Richmond and arrested Bentroudi at his home with the help of the Richmond RCMP.
Bentroudi was later released on an order with conditions.
