Image: Facebook / Langley RCMP say Jennifer Lynn Stephens has been charged with over a dozen offences after police conducted an extensive, prolonged human trafficking investigation by the detachment's Serious Crime Section. Their investigation, with assistance from several other police agencies, led to her eventual arrest. In July 2023, Stephens was slated to appear in court on the Langley charges but failed to attend, leading to a Canada-wide warrant being issued for her arrest. On December 7, 2023, Langley Serious Crime Investigators located and arrested Stephens on her outstanding warrants.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Langley RCMP

Langley RCMP say woman faces 14 charges related to human trafficking of minors

Dec 21, 2023 | 10:17 AM

LANGLEY — Langley RCMP say a woman has been charged with over a dozen offences after police conducted an extensive, prolonged human trafficking investigation involving sexual exploitation of underage females.

According to a news statement released by Cpl. Craig van Herk, spokesperson for the Langley RCMP, Serious Crime detectives from the Langley RCMP launched an investigation into reports of human trafficking in spring 2023. Police say that on March 7, 2023, Langley RCMP received a 9-1-1 call from a gas station near a hotel in the 20400 block of 88 Avenue in the township of Langley. The attendant reported that an injured, distressed adult female walked in and asked to call police. Frontline officers responded and while providing first aid to the woman, constables were directed to a nearby hotel. This investigation led to the charge of assault being filed against Jennifer Lynn Stephens.

In July 2023, Stephens was slated to appear in court on the Langley charges but failed to attend, leading to a Canada-wide warrant being issued for her arrest.

Langley Serious Crime investigators continued to gather evidence to support charges and make submissions to the B.C. Prosecution Service. On December 7, 2023, Langley Serious Crime investigators located and arrested Stephens on her outstanding warrants.

Image: Facebook / Jennifer Stephens.

Boil water notice rescinded

Clearbrook Waterworks rescinds boil water notice in Abbotsford

5h ago

RCMP warn against vigilantism in Squamish, B.C., as concerns circulate online

5h ago

Hold and secure

Update: Report of assault with a weapon prompted hold and secure at AD Rundle Wednesday

7h ago

Stephens remains in custody facing numerous criminal charges including:

• Trafficking in Persons – Sec. 279.01
• Material Benefit – Trafficking a person under 18 years – Sec. 279.02 (2 counts)
• Material Benefit from Sexual Services of a person under 18 years – Sec. 286.1
• Procuring – Person under 18 years – Sec. 286.3 (2 counts)
• Forcible Confinement – Sec. 279(2)
• Assault Causing Bodily Harm – Sec. 267 (b)
• Assault with a Weapon -Sec. 267(a) (2 counts)
• Utter Threats – Sec. 264.1
• Trafficking of a Person Under 18 Years – Sec. 279.011
• Material Benefit from Sexual Services -Sec. 286.2
• Advertising Sexual Services – Sec. 286.4

“Due to the often-hidden nature and complexity of these offences, human trafficking charges are rare in Canada,” said Inspector Erica Moir, Operations Support Officer of Langley RCMP. “Our investigators worked closely with partners allowing us to support the victims, identify a suspect and successfully obtain the evidence necessary forward criminal charges.”

Due to the complexity of this investigation and multiple offences committed in multiple locations, Langley RCMP investigators sought technical and logistical assistance from the Surrey RCMP, Vancouver Police Department’s Human Trafficking Unit, RCMP E Division Behavioural Sciences Unit, RCMP Digital Forensic Services, and Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit – British Columbia (CFSEU-BC) interview team.

“Their assistance was invaluable, said Insp. Moir.

Police describe human trafficking as the recruitment, transportation or harbouring of persons, or the control of their movements, for the purpose of exploitation. In many cases, victims are trafficked for sexual exploitation or forced labour. In this case, in Langley, it is alleged that victims were trafficked for sexual exploitation.

“If you or a loved one are a victim of human trafficking, or you believe someone else is, please know you are not alone and there is help available,” Insp. Moir said.

People can contact their local police department, the 24-hour Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-900-1010, or visit the Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking.