40-year-old man exploited, sexually assaulted teen he met on social media, Winnipeg police say

A 40-year-old Winnipeg man hasbeencharged withluring and sexually assaulting a teenage girl, after police say he useda false identity to contact and befriend her over social media.

Sanjay PhulchandRathodused the name "Sam Rachen" to communicate withthe teen over the internet during a roughly three-week period,Winnipeg police allege.

During that time, he made plans to meet with the girl and began an exploitative relationship with her, givinghermoney and alcohol in exchange for sexual contact, according to police.

The Winnipeg Police Service's counter-exploitation unit began an investigation last month after receiving a report and arrested Rathod on Tuesday, a Friday news release from policesaid.

He's been charged with sexual assault, three counts of obtaining sexual services from a person under the age of 18, and luring a person under 18 years of age via telecommunication.

Police say their investigation is continuing, and are looking for anyone else who may have beenin contact with Rathod.

He's described asapproximately six feet tall and 160 pounds, with short, dark-coloured hair, a shortgoatee and small scarring on his forehead.

Police are asking anyone who had contact with him, or has any other information that may help their investigation, tocontactcounter-exploitation investigators at204-986-24281, or to submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.