Vancouver police are renewing calls for witnesses and victims to come forward in a rash of alleged sexual assault cases spanning across Vancouver, rural B.C. and into Alberta.
Kevin Alexander Roberts, 46, was arrested by Vancouver police on Nov. 19 for offences that were allegedly committed in Vancouver and Prince George involving a young girl.
Vancouver police Sgt. Jason Robillard shows a photo of Kevin Alexander Roberts, 46. Roberts was arrested Nov. 19 and is facing several charges for alleged historical sexual assaults against a young girl. Investigators believe there may be more victims that have not yet come forward. Photo by Dan Toulgoet
“The reason we’re coming forward today is our investigators have learned that Kevin Alexander Roberts is more commonly known by the nickname ‘Drifter’… people may know him more as ‘Drifter’ than his actual name,” media relations officer Sgt. Jason Robillard said.
Since Roberts’ arrest, Crown counsel has approved a number of charges: sexual assault, sexual interference, sexual assault with a weapon, invitation to sexual touching, assault and assault causing bodily harm.
Roberts worked as a truck driver across B.C. and Alberta, and also as a school bus driver and mover in Prince George. He’s described as having a “transient lifestyle” due to the nature of his work and his knowledge of smaller, rural communities in both provinces.
The initial victim, now an adult, reported the crimes to Vancouver police. There is a publication ban in place to protect the identity of the victim.
VPD investigators believe more victims may have crossed paths with Roberts over at least the last 20 years. Those victims would have been between the ages of four and 18 during that timeframe.
Roberts is described as 5’7” to 5’8”, 210 pounds and bald with a goatee. He has a tattoo of a woman and a snake on his right upper arm.
Anyone with any information is asked to call the VPD’s sex crime unit at 604-717-0600 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.
— with files from Jessica Kerr
