Alleged serial sex offender and Calgary teacher seeks bail pending trial
Sorrenson, 36, was arrested last Thursday in connection with a string of crimes
Publishing date:
Mar 29, 2022 • Last Updated March 29, 2022 • 1 minute read
Police have laid charges in relation to a series of robberies and sexual assaults that occurred at several personal care businesses. They previously released this CCTV image of a suspect in the crimes. The suspect in a series of armed robberies and sexual assaults at Calgary personal care businesses is hoping to be freed pending trial.
A bail hearing began Tuesday before provincial court Judge Allan Fradsham to determine if Andrew Frank Sorensen was a suitable candidate for judicial interim release.
Crown prosecutor Donna Spaner made lengthy submissions before the case was adjourned to Wednesday, when she and defence counsel Matt Deshaye will set a date to continue Sorrenson’s application.
At Deshaye’s request, Fradsham ordered a publication ban on the submissions by counsel.
The judge also issued a publication ban on the identities of the alleged sexual assault victims.
After his arrest the Calgary Catholic School District CCSD confirmed Sorrenson was a teacher at St. Isidore School, which is an online-only school for grades 1-9.
A CCSD spokesperson said none of the allegations involved students and the accused has been suspended from work.
“As this is a criminal matter presently before the courts, we cannot provide any additional details concerning this matter,” CCSD senior communications specialist Felicia Zuniga said.
Sorrenson, who appeared in court via CCTV link from the Calgary Remand Centre, faces 13 charges, including four each of sexual assault with a firearm and four of armed robbery. The other five charges are four of wearing a disguise and one of uttering a threat.
He was arrested after officers executed a search warrant at Sorrenson’s home in the southeast neighbourhood of Cranston.
Under the Criminal Code, sexual assault with a firearm carries a mandatory minimum sentence of four years. That minimum increases to five years if the weapon used is a restricted, or prohibited firearm and in those instances second, or subsequent convictions would draw a minimum seven-year