Lethbridge man, released after child sexual offence sentence, arrested 5 hours later

Lethbridge Police Headquarters is shown in Lethbridge, Alta., on March 10, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Rossiter

A Lethbridge, Alta., man has been charged after allegedly violating the conditions of his release after serving time for child sexual offences.

James Robert George Martinac, 47, was released from custody at 7 a.m. on May 1 after completing a four-year sentence for sexual interference, child luring, possession of child pornography, sexual exploitation and uttering threats.

Less than five hours later, police say Martinac was observed by officers at a public library, using a social media account to view images of children online, contrary to a lifetime prohibition order.

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“The order was issued after the male’s conviction for sexually assaulting and exploiting two young girls in 2021 and 2022, and includes lifetime prohibitions from attending any community centre, using the internet or other digital network unless in accordance with the conditions set by the court and using any social media application designed to connect with strangers,” police said in a Tuesday news release.

Martinac has been charged with four counts of failing to comply with a prohibition order.

He was remanded into custody and is expected in court on May 6.