Sagmoen hears new charges

Photo: Contributed

Curtis Wayne Sagmoen appeared in a Vernon court room Thursday to face a new set of assault charges.

Curtis Wayne Sagmoen appeared in a Vernon court room Thursday to face a new set of assault charges.

Sagmoen has appeared by video numerous times on charges relating to an incident on Aug. 28, 2017 when he allegedly threatened a sex trade worker.

Those charges include intentionally discharging a firearm and uttering threats.

But during an intense police investigation of a farm at 2290 Salmon River Road, which is owned by Wayne and Evelyn Sagmoen, police became aware of other incidents, charges for which Sagmoen faced in court Thursday, Feb. 8.

Cpl. Dan Moskaluk said police were made aware of a number of allegations of violence by Okanagan-area female sex workers during the farm investigation.

The new charges against Sagmoen include assault causing bodily harm and assault with a weapon, stemming from an incident on Aug. 10, 2017, and assault stemming from an incident that occurred on or about July 1, 2017.

“The new charges involve two different victims working as online escorts who used backpage.com to advertise their services," said Moskaluk. "The victims attended to locations in close proximity to 2290 Salmon River Rd., Salmon Arm in response to inquiries on their ads where the alleged offences then occurred."

While searching the farm, police found the remains of 18-year-old Traci Genereaux, who was reported missing last year.

No charges have been laid in her death, which is being treated as suspicious. Police have made no connection between Sagmoen and Genereaux's death.

Police have asked anyone with information regarding similar incidents to contact the Southeast District Major Crime Unit tip line at 1-877-987-8477.

Sagmoen is scheduled to appear in court again on Feb. 19 for a bail hearing.