An interesting police story out of Chilliwack tells about allegations of a 14-year-old girl who's not only been offering sexual services, but recruiting other youth to join her in the sex trade.
RCMP, which learned about the situation Oct. 25, have identified both the girl and 51-year-old David Thomas Hilpert who solicited her services.
Police say the girl represented herself as being 18 years old on an advertisement placed on Craigslist erotic services, which has since been removed.
Both the girl and Hilpert were arrested Nov. 5. Hilpert is charged with two counts of sexual assault and the girl is charged with procuring persons under the age of 18 for prostitution.
At least two, and possibly more, young females were recruited into the sex trade by the 14-year-old and police are continuing to investigate with further arrests and charges being a possibility.
Police have identified the other females involved and are working with them and their parents to address their needs, and ensure they are provided the support they need.
RCMP say the name of the 14-year-old will not be released as she is under the age of 18 and a publication ban on the file means no further details will be provided. The matter is now before the courts.
Cpl. Lea-Anne Dunlop, communications officer, Upper Fraser Valley RCMP, advises parents that when young people are targeted or recruited into the sex trade, early intervention can prevent further recruitment.
"Things to watch for are changes in behaviour and attitude, being protective about a new boyfriend,
changes in routine, dropping old friends for a new group, having a much older boyfriend, having unexplained money, and coming home drunk or on drugs repeatedly," said Dunlop.
