RCMP lay additional charges in child abuse investigation

** WARNING: The following story contains information that may be disturbing to some readers. **

A woman arrested earlier this month and charged with several crimes against children is back in police custody.

Sherina Handsor is facing over a dozen new charges including seven counts of failure to provide the necessities of life, various assault charges, and two counts of administering a noxious substance.

Late last week police also arrested Nicole Barrett of Whitecourt and charged her with three counts of failure to provide the necessities of life, as well as assault in relation to the same case.

Earlier this month, Sherina Handsor and Fort McMurray residents Jimmy Fransen and Brenda Fransen Disher were arrested and charged with a litany of offenses stemming from the same investigation. The charges include sexual assault, trafficking a person under the age of 18, sexual exploitation, and making and distributing child pornography.

None of the charges have been proven in court.

Handsor was taken before a Justice of the Peace and remanded into custody. Her next court appearance is on May 1, 2024, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Stony Plain, Alta.

Information received during the investigation suggests that there may be other victims or individuals who may have information regarding the involvement of Sherina Maria Handsor and Nicole Kathleen Barrett in offences against children.

To assist potential victims and witnesses, the RCMP is providing an additional photograph of both suspects.

If you are a victim of this or any crime or have any information about this crime or those responsible please call the RCMP Serious Crimes Branch at 780-509-3290. If you wish to remain anonymous you can contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1‐800‐222-8477 (TIPS), or by Internet at www.tipsubmit.com.

Further resources for victims of crime include:

Victims Services: Toll Free 1-888-788-4250 or 780-788-4250

Canadian Mental Health Association Wood Buffalo 24 HR Crisis Line 780-743-4357 or 1-800-565-3801

Some Other Solutions (SOS) Wood Buffalo: (780) 743-8605          

Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or Text 686868

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