An Edmonton father, Scot Macdermid, who went missing with his young son, George, and daughter, Lesley, five weeks ago, is now sought after on charges related to the alleged abduction of his children. The Edmonton Police Service announced that Canada-wide warrants have been issued for Macdermid on two counts of abduction in contravention of a custody order.
The charges stem from allegations that Macdermid unlawfully took or concealed his children, George, 6, and Lesley, 9, in violation of a court custody or parenting order. Court records indicate that the charges were filed on Sept. 4. Authorities are appealing to the public for help in locating Macdermid and his children.
The case of the missing children was initially publicized on Sept. 8 when Edmonton police released a statement seeking assistance in finding Macdermid and his two children. Macdermid was last spotted at Manning Town Centre in northeast Edmonton on Aug. 28. Subsequently, reports indicated that Macdermid and the children were sighted in Lloydminster on the same day, but their further whereabouts remain unknown.
In a recent statement, police clarified that the investigation does not meet the criteria for an Amber Alert at present. Staff Sgt. Robert Davis emphasized that the primary focus remains on finding Lesley and George safely. For an Amber Alert to be launched in Canada, there must be evidence of a child abduction and immediate physical danger.
Legal records reveal Macdermid’s involvement in a custody dispute with the children’s mother, revolving around their residence in the Dominican Republic versus Alberta. The Alberta Court of Appeal decision in 2024 favored the mother’s stance that the children’s habitual residence was in Edmonton. The prolonged legal battle unveils conflicts over child custody, detailing the couple’s history of separations and reconciliations in different locations.
Descriptions of Macdermid, George, and Lesley have been provided to aid in their identification. Concerns for the children’s well-being persist as Macdermid remains unreachable. Individuals with any information regarding their whereabouts are urged to contact Edmonton police or Crime Stoppers without approaching the family.