Image: Facebook / A B.C. woman who was arrested by Langley RCMP officers in late 2023 after a lengthy investigation has pleaded guilty to charges of human trafficking, assault, unlawful confinement and sexual exploitation of minors.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Guilty plea

UPDATE: Woman arrested by Langley RCMP pleads guilty to human trafficking, sexual exploitation of minors

Jan 30, 2025 | 11:58 AM

LANGLEY — UPDATE at 9:30 a.m. Jan. 31 — This story was updated with specific charges and information around the Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking.

LANGLEY — A B.C. woman who was arrested by Langley RCMP officers in late 2023 after a lengthy investigation has pleaded guilty to charges of human trafficking, assault, unlawful confinement and sexual exploitation of minors.

Jennifer Stephens was arrested by Langley RCMP officers in December 2023 after an investigation that commenced in March of that year. The Mounties issued a statement at the time saying they launched the investigation after receiving a 9-1-1 call from a Langley gas station, where a worker “reported that an injured, distressed adult female walked in and asked to call police.”

Police report that officers provided the woman with first aid at which time she directed them to a nearby hotel, leading to an initial assault charge against Stephens.

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The following December, serious crime investigators arrested Stephens on more than a dozen charges for alleged human trafficking, benefiting from sexual services of a minor, forcible confinement, assault causing bodily harm, uttering threats and advertising sexual services.

Stephens pleaded guilty to several of the charges in a New Westminster courtroom on Thursday (Jan. 30). According to Langley RCMP, Stephens pleaded guilty to:

• One count material benefit from sexual services;
• One count of procuring;
• Five counts of assault causing bodily harm;
• One count of material benefit from sexual services provided by person under 18 years;
• One count of procuring – person under 18 years;
• One count of advertising sexual services;
• Three counts of unlawful confinement;
• One count of sexual assault with a weapon (firearm);
• One count of assault with a weapon;
• One count of using firearm in commission of offence; and
• One count of pointing a firearm.

The court heard evidence against her including “graphic” videos that were sealed by the judge.

This guilty plea is a reflection of the dedication and tireless efforts of our investigators and policing partners, says Inspector Erica Moir, the Operations Support Officer of the Langley RCMP.  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.

You can reach out with information to your local police department or you can contact the 24 hour Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-900-1010. You can learn more about the hazards of human trafficking at the Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking website.

Stephens is due back in court on Feb. 6, according to the Canadian Press.