Winnipeg police have charged a man following an investigation into child luring over social media.
Police were alerted in August of a female youth who had been sexually assaulted by a man who had befriended her online.
Police say the suspect, who went by the false name “Sam Rachen,” contacted the teen victim to obtain sexual services. The suspect formed an exploitative relationship with the victim over approximately three weeks. During that time, police say the suspect would arrange to meet with the victim and engage in sexual contact in exchange for alcohol and money.
The suspect was arrested without incident on September 3.
Sanjay Phulchand Rathod, 40, of Winnipeg, has been charged with multiple offences.
Anyone with information or who may have been in contact with the male involved in these incidents is asked to contact police at (204) 986-4281 or Crime Stoppers at (204) 786-8477 (TIPS).
