A lengthy investigation has led to more than a dozen charges laid against a woman accused of human trafficking for sexual exploitation.
The probe began in March when the Langley RCMP received a 911 call from a local gas station near a hotel on the 20400 block of 88 Avenue.
“The attendant reported that an injured, distressed adult female walked in and asked to call police,” explained an RCMP release. “Frontline officers responded and while providing first aid to the woman were directed to the nearby hotel.”
An initial investigation led to the arrest of Jennifer Lynn Stephens, who was charged with assault.
However, in July, Stephens failed to show up to a scheduled court appearance and a Canada-wide warrant was issued for her arrest.
While she was on the run, investigators continued to build a case against her and finally brought her back into custody on Dec. 7.
Stephens, who is now being held in custody, is facing 14 criminal charges, which include:
"Due to the often-hidden nature and complexity of these offences, human trafficking charges are rare in Canada,” said Insp. Erica Moir.
“Our investigators worked closely with partners, allowing us to support the victims, identify a suspect and successfully obtain the evidence necessary to forward criminal charges.”
According to police, it was a complex investigation that took assistance from surrounding jurisdictions and Moir called that support “invaluable.”
The RCMP says human trafficking involves the recruitment, transportation or harbouring of persons, or the control of their movements, for the purpose of exploitation.
Typically, victims are trafficked for forced labour or sexual exploitation, with the latter being the alleged reason behind this particular case.
