91Ô­´´

A senior 91Ô­´´ RCMP officer credited tireless work by local Mounties as well as partners in other police forces for the recent guilty plea of a woman charged with numerous violent and sex-related charges following a human trafficking investigation.

Jennifer Lynn Stephens, who was scheduled to start a multi-week trial on Feb. 3, pleaded guilty to 17 charges in B.C. Supreme Court in New Westminster on Thursday, Jan. 30.

"This guilty plea is a reflection of the dedication and tireless efforts of our investigators and policing partners," said Insp. Erica Moir, the Operations Support Officer of the 91Ô­´´ 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."

The Stephens investigation began on March 7, 2023 when police received a 9-1-1 call from a gas station in the 20400 block of 88 Avenue in 91Ô­´´.

The attendant called for help after an injured, distressed woman walked in and asked for someone to call the police.

RCMP arrested Stephens and charged her with assault for that incident, but also began a more in-depth investigation.

That inquiry would eventually lead to the 91Ô­´´ RCMP Serious Crime Section partnering with the Surrey RCMP, Vancouver Police Department’s Human Trafficking Unit, RCMP E Division Behavioural Sciences Unit, RCMP Digital Forensic Services, and Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit's Interview Team.

Meanwhile, Stephens, who was released pending a court hearing on her assault charge, disappeared. She did not appear for a July 2023 court date, and a judge issued a warrant for her arrest.

By the time 91Ô­´´ RCMP officers caught up to her and arrested her in December 2023, they were ready to lay many more charges against her.

Stephens has now pleaded guilty to:

• One count of receiving a material benefit from sexual services;

• One count of procuring;

• Five counts of assault causing bodily harm;

• One count of receiving a 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

Stephens, who remains in custody, will be back in New Westminster's courthouse on Thursday, Feb. 6 when the judge and lawyers will set a date for her sentencing on all the charges.