A High River, Alta. woman has been charged with multiple counts of human trafficking, procuring persons under 18 years, sexual exploitation of a young person and one count of assault after allegedly recruiting young teens on social media.
Police said an RCMP school resource officer started the investigation.
RCMP said five girls between 13 and 16 years old had been “victimized” and are now receiving support from Child and Family Services and Foothills Victim Services. The investigation continues.
Samantha Pedersen, 23, is in custody and is set to appear in Okotoks Provincial Court on Oct. 28.
Anyone with information is asked to call Okotoks RCMP at 403-995-4202 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
A Global News request for more information from RCMP was not immediately answered.
Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story said the woman was also charged with living off the avails of prostitution. RCMP sent a correction Thursday, removing that charge. A second Global News request for comment was not immediately returned.