Two charged in connection with 13-year-old working as prostitute in Lethbridge

[cyclo 30131]

There has been some discussion recently about prostitution cases involving 16 or 17 year old girls. This is a very shocking story involving a 13 year old girl. I've heard of girls this age being forced into prostitution in Asia, but not very often in Canada. I'm glad to see that the two men have been charged and the young girl is getting assistance but I doubt that she'll ever truly recover from this.



By Stephane Massinon, Calgary Herald February 23, 2013

Two Lethbridge men have been charged following a child-prostitution investigation involving a 13 year-old girl.

Police say the girl was working as a prostitute and allegedly giving the proceeds to a 32-year-old man.

On Feb. 13, police say she was with a 61-year-old client in the downtown core.

Both men have since been arrested and charged.

â??Itâ??s always alarming when you have someone as young as that involved in the sex trade,â? said Insp. Bill Kaye.

Memphis Mathew Gros Ventre Boy, 32, is charged with procuring prostitution â?? aiding, abetting and compelling â?? and invitation to sexual touching.

Robert John Gerard, 61, is charged with sexual assault, sexual interference, procuring a youth for sex and invitation to sexual touching.

The 13-year-old girl will not be charged and police say social agencies have been brought in to work with her.

â??Our intent is to provide her with the help she needs to get out of the lifestyle,â? said Kaye.

By court order, Gros Ventre Boy is prohibited from going downtown and cannot contact the 13-year-old. He will be in court Feb. 27.

Gerard appears in court March 1. He is now prohibited from being in contact with anyone under 16 unless accompanied by an adult and canâ??t be within 100 metres of any place where children may be present.

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