RCMP are investigating an alleged rape of a 16-year-old girl who they allege was drugged and raped by five to seven males outside a rave party at 12993 Harris Road in Pitt Meadows about a week ago in this structure behind the house seen here September 17, 2010.John Lehmann/The Globe and Mail
A 16-year-old male from Maple Ridge has been charged for the distribution of child pornography in connection with an alleged sexual assault in Pitt Meadows earlier this month.
The youth was scheduled to appear in court in Port Coquitlam on Wednesday morning.
Police say a 16-year-old woman was assaulted at a September 10 rave on a rural property in Pitt Meadows.
Photos of the incident were soon circulating on Facebook and on September 16, police held a news conference at which they said sharing or posting the photos constituted the distribution of child pornography. Police appealed to anyone who might have seen the photos to not distribute or share the images.
Two males have been previously arrested and questioned by police, but Tuesday's charge is the first in the case.
In the days following the incident, police visited area schools to talk to students about the date rape drug and teens' use of social media.
Police believe the girl was drugged, likely with the "date rape" drug GHB.
In a statement provided to police, the girl's family said she had returned to school and that the spread of pictures continued to re-victimize their daughter.
Police have said that up to a dozen people may have witnessed the assault and continue to ask witnesses to contact police.
Wendy Stueck