Crown counsel is applying to have a man who has admitted to child sex offences in Castlegar declared a dangerous offender.
Danny Depew, who is in his late 50s, pleaded guilty in June 2025 to the internet luring of a child under 16 and making sexually explicit material available to someone under 16. The offences occurred in Castlegar in August 2024.
Depew’s criminal history includes a 2020 conviction in Abbotsford for attempting lure a child under 16 through online communication. He was sentenced to 2½ years in prison followed by three years probation.
Depew also received a 5½ year prison term for sexual assault and sexual exploitation of three teenage girls in 2003 and was accused of sexually exploiting a disabled person in another case.
Calgary Police warned the public when he was released from prison in 2010 and 2013.
A hearing to decide whether he will be designated a dangerous offender began Tuesday and continues Sept. 28.
Damienne Darby, communications counsel with the BC Prosecution Service, said the psychiatrist who assessed Depew is expected to testify. The Crown also plans to call two witnesses from Correctional Services Canada.
The Crown has to convince the court that Depew has demonstrated a pattern of behavior, is a high risk to reoffend, and is a threat to public safety. If a judge agrees to the designation, Depew could be held in custody indefinitely.
