Calgary foster parent faces sex charges

Investigation into alleged sexual offences against three boys in foster care has led to charges against a Calgary man.

Calgary Police said they received a tip in June 2009 alleging that Garry Prokopishin, 51, was engaging in sexual acts with the underage boys.

Police said Prokopishin and his wife were the primary caregivers for the three boys – and said the abuse is believed to have occurred over a span of several months to several years, from January 2006 to April 2008.

Fifty-five foster children are believed to have lived under the care of Prokopishin and his wife over the past 20 years. Between one and five boys, ranging in age from 14 to 17 were believed in the pair’s care during that time, police said.

Prokopishin has been charged with one count of luring a child via a data device, three counts each of obtaining or attempting to obtain sex from a person under 18-years-of-age, and sexual contact with a youth by a person in authority.?

Police will be providing more information later this afternoon.