Grande Prairie police lay charges after sex trade investigation

RCMPhave laid charges against a man after amonth-long investigation into the sex trade in Grande Prairie.

Allegations were first raised in Junethat a man was targeting "vulnerable, high-risk teenage males" to get them involved in the sex tradein Grande Prairie, police said.

Police were watching a male suspect on July 24 when they say they witnessed an interaction that would have led to the "victimization" of a male teen.

Investigators intervened and arrested the suspect.

A 56-year-old man has been charged with three counts of procuring prostitution of someone under the age of 18, and one count of sexual assault.

The man has been released from custody on several conditions, including that he not have contact with any minors unless accompanied by another adult.

He will appear in court in Grande PrairieAug. 3.

RCMP say the victimization of vulnerable youths in Grande Prairie is a "huge concern" for them. They are asking any other victims, or anyone with information about these incidents, to contact them.