An Edmonton man is facing charges in connection with three different sexual assaults.
Police say the assaults allegedly happened between January of 2009 and March of this year. It's believed the women, ranging in age from 18 to 22, were allegedly sexually assaulted after responding to a job ad for an administrative assistant, which was posted on a social networking site and in a local newspaper.
"We have charged one adult male individual with three separate counts of sexual assault," said Staff Sgt. Deb Jolly with the Edmonton Police Service. "The person who stands accused had placed an ad for administrative help either online or in local newspapers."
Police say the accused then arranged meetings at his home office in the area of 114 Avenue and 105 Street. Once inside the residence, the women were allegedly sexually assaulted.
Police have charged 46-year-old Merik Stanley Bereznicki.
One area resident who did not provide his name says news of the alleged offender living nearby is frightening.
"I have two daughters and a wife. We don't like when things like this happen to anybody," he said.
Police say they would like to encourage any other women who may have had similar experiences to contact them. Police say traditionally, only one in ten victims come forward.
"I'm satisfied that there are additional victims out there, whether or not those people choose to come forward is a personal choice, but I strongly encourage them to," said Jolly.
The director of Edmonton's Sexual Assault Centre says it's hard to take the fear away from victims who often believe they are at fault.
"In this case as in every other case, going for a job interview you are not expected to be sexually assaulted when you do something like that," said Karen Smith.
Smith says blame should be directed solely on the offenders.
A member of Bereznicki's family declined an interview with CTV News Wednesday, but the family member revealed the man has been in trouble before and they are not surprised he has been charged.
Bereznicki is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday. He remains in custody.
With files from Dez Melenka
