In March 2021, the Winnipeg Police Service responded to a residence for a dispute involving an adult guardian and a 15-year-old youth. During this preliminary investigation, the youth disclosed a history of sexual abuse and procurement.
The 15-year-old survivor was placed in safe care while the Winnipeg Police Service Counter Exploitation Unit further investigated the matter. Investigators determined that between November 2020 and March 2021, the then 13-year-old survivor was in a non-familial guardianship. During this timeframe, the guardian provided the survivor with alcohol and drugs and directed them to perform sexual acts on adult males and females in exchange for money and drugs. These sexual acts took place inside vehicles and at their residence.
Between October 2020 and November 2020, the survivor’s friend, who was 12-years-old at that time, was also provided drugs and alcohol by the same guardian. On one occasion, the accused sexually assaulted the 12-year-old.
On December 17, 2021, after an extensive investigation, Counter Exploitation Unit charged a 32-year-old female of Winnipeg with the following offences:
- Sexual Assault
- Sexual Interference
- Parent or Guardian Procuring Sexual Activity
- Procuring Person Under 18 to Provide Sexual Services
- Material Benefit from Sexual Services Provided by a Person Under 18 Years
The accused name will not be released to ensure the anonymity of the survivors in this matter. She was detained in custody.
The Winnipeg Police Service is committed to addressing the sexual exploitation of women and girls in our communities. We all have a societal role in protecting those vulnerable to exploitation.
If you have information regarding exploitation issues in your neighbourhood, please contact the Counter Exploitation Unit at 204-986-3464. If you know of a person at immediate risk of sexual exploitation, call 911 immediately or the Winnipeg Police Service at 204-986-6222.
Constable Jay Murray, Public Information Officer
Constable Dani McKinnon, Public Information Officer
Constable Claude Chancy, Public Information Officer
Kelly Dehn, Manager of Public Affairs
Office: 204-986-3061
E-mail: WPS-PIO@winnipeg.ca