REGINA — Saskatchewan RCMP have provided more extensive details following the Amber Alert situation Tuesday, Aug. 9.
Two children, age seven and eight, were the subjects of the alert. Also sought were a 50-year-old man and the children’s mother, 45.
Both children have been recovered safely after all four individuals were located in Sturgis, S.D. during the overnight hours.
According to the RCMP, their Saskatchewan RCMP General Investigation Section had received information at 5 p.m. on Aug, 9 relating to the recent whereabouts of Benjamin Martin Moore. Moore was subject to an arrest warrant for charges in Canada.
The RCMP then organized for this information to be shared with law enforcement agencies in the United States. South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation and the United States Department of Homeland Security, along with local police departments, initiated an investigation. The RCMP is reporting these agencies "dedicated a significant amount of resources to this investigation, and conducted searches to locate Benjamin Moore, his common-law spouse and the two children who resided with the couple."
At around 10:50 p.m. Aug. 9, an Amber Alert was issued throughout South Dakota regarding the four individuals. It was about 90 minutes later that Meade County Sheriff’s Office announced the four individuals were located in Sturgis.
RCMP is confirming that Benjamin Moore was apprehended by police in South Dakota and remains in custody. His common-law spouse is also in police custody.
The RCMP is reporting that law enforcement and child welfare agencies for South Dakota and Saskatchewan are now working to return the children back to Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan RCMP say they have been advised the children are safe, and appropriate resources and supports are being provided.
“There was most definitely a collective sigh of relief amongst all agencies involved in bringing these two young children to safety. Obviously, there is a long road ahead and a number of investigative avenues that need to be followed up on. We want to assure the public that this investigation remains a priority for the Saskatchewan RCMP," said Chief Superintendent Tyler Bates, officer in charge of the Saskatchewan RCMP’s South District in a news release.
Saskatchewan RCMP General Investigation Section, with support from the Major Crime Unit, now has carriage of the investigation into the allegations against Benjamin Moore and events leading up to their departure from Canada. The RCMP adds investigators continue to follow up on all additional information, tips and reports about incidents involving Benjamin Moore that they receive. The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation and Homeland Security are also actively investigating this matter as it relates to their jurisdictions in the United States.
Saskatchewan RCMP said in a statement they would like to thank their American law enforcement partners including DCI, DHS, the Meade County Sheriff’s Office and all those that called in to assist. They also thanked Saskatchewan Ministry of Social Services, South Dakota Child Protection Services, the media and the public for working together to confirm the location of the two children and bring them home to Canada.
The RCMP adds that anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact their local RCMP or police service. Information can also be submitted anonymously by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.saskcrimestoppers.com. Anyone who may have been a victim of Benjamin Moore is also encouraged to file a report with police. The RCMP is also pledging to provide updates on the investigation as they become available.
The RCMP is also clarifying information provided at Tuesday's news conference at Saskatchewan RCMP Headquarters yesterday. It was on Aug. 5 that Shaunavon RCMP assisted the Saskatchewan Ministry of Social Services with executing a search warrant at the residence of Benjamin Martin Moore in Eastend. On Aug. 2, Shaunavon RCMP had initiated an unrelated investigation involving Benjamin Martin Moore that does not involve children. An investigative package is being prepared for review by Crown Prosecutors relating to the Aug. 2 investigation. RCMP will advise the media if this investigation results in charges.
