B.C. woman sentenced to 13 years for assault, kidnapping and sex trafficking

Jennifer Stephens, a woman from B.C., has been sentenced to 13 years in prison for her involvement in a child sex trafficking case. Charged with unlawful confinement, assault, sexual assault, advertising sexual services, and benefiting from sexual services provided by a minor, Stephens has also been mandated to submit a DNA sample and register as a sex offender for 20 years, with a 10-year firearms ban.

Police initiated their investigation in February 2023 after receiving information about a 13-year-old girl who had been trafficked in Alberta and Kelowna, B.C. The alleged services from the minor were advertised on LeoList, an online escort platform, leading police to victims at a Langley hotel. Graphic videos played during the sentencing hearing depicted various acts of violence and abuse inflicted upon the victims by Stephens.

Impact statements from the victims revealed the physical and psychological trauma inflicted by Stephens, which could take a lifetime to overcome. The Crown had requested a 13-year sentence, while Stephens's lawyer had argued for a seven-year term, considering time already served. Stephens has been granted credit for the time she has spent in custody prior to her sentencing, leaving her with approximately 8.5 years left to serve.