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WINNIPEG -- Explicit social networking chats that caught the attention of Facebook staff have led to sex assault and Internet luring charges against a Winnipeg man suspected of preying on a girl about half his age.

It's potentially the first time for Winnipeg police that charges have stemmed from concerns flagged first by Facebook, police said, and a case that's considered "unique," according to a local social media lawyer.

Police allege the suspect, aged 25, met and started communicating with a 13-year-old girl on the social networking site in mid-July. The messages turned sexual and were noticed by Facebook.

"Red flags were going up for them left, right and centre," Const. Jason Michalyshen said.

Police couldn't say exactly how Facebook caught on, or what the pair were chatting about.

"It was described as inappropriate activity," Michalyshen said. "There were conversations that could easily be described as explicit."

At some point, the pair arranged to meet and a sexual assault occurred, police said.

Facebook contacted Winnipeg police near the end of July and passed along the information. Detectives got on the case and on Wednesday, police arrested the man.

The case is not one commonly seen in Winnipeg.

"It's a unique case from a legal perspective," said Brian Bowman, a lawyer who specializes in social media.

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Facebook reports sex assault of Winnipeg teen