Francesco Pagliuso charged for attempting to solicit sex from underage girls in Edmonton

The Edmonton Police Service has arrested and charged a 47-year-old man for attempting to solicit sex from girls between 9 and 18 years.

Detectives from the EPS Vice and Child Protection Sections began the investigation after a woman alleged that a male acquaintance offered money to have sex with her 9-year-old daughter. Police arrested the man on October 8, 2010, in connection with the case.

After subsequent investigation, detectives identified two 16-year-olds, a 17-year-old, and an 18-year-old, who alleged that they had been offered money and gifts in exchange for sex. Police rearrested the man on the new charges on November 2, 2010.

“This is the first case that we have investigated with such a young girl,” said Staff Sergeant John Fiorilli, EPS Vice Section. “This is a reminder of how vulnerable children are and how we need to protect them from sexual abuse or exploitation.”

Francesco Pagliuso, also known as Frank, 47, has been charged with four counts of procuring under 18 years for prostitution, one count of procuring over 18 years for prostitution, and one count of criminal harassment. Pagliuso is scheduled to appear in court on November 17, 2010.