Okotoks, AB – On October 5, 2016, the RCMP charged High River resident Samantha Pedersen, age 23, with the following:
- 5 counts of Trafficking in Person under 18 years
- 5 counts of Procuring Person under 18 years
- 4 counts of Sexual Exploitation of Young Person
- 1 count of Assault
Pedersen is currently in custody and will attend Okotoks Provincial Court on Thursday, October 28th, 2016.
The charges stem from an investigation initiated by an RCMP School Resource Officer who became aware that some local teens were being recruited via social media and then exploited by adults for criminal purposes.
The investigation revealed that five teenage girls between the ages of 13 and 16, had been victimized. The investigation continues. The victims are now being assisted by Child and Family Services and Foothills Victim Services.
As this matter is before the courts, no further details will be provided at this time.
Anyone with information that might assist in this investigation is asked to call Okotoks RCMP at 403-995-4202 or If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or by internet at www.tipsubmit.com.