A Chatham man who was arrested in a human trafficking investigation a little over two years ago has pleaded guilty.
Chatham-Kent police said the man, now 36 years old, pleaded guilty last week to several charges including human trafficking, materially benefitting from human trafficking, assault causing bodily harm, breaching a court order, obstructing police, breaching a release order.
He has been in custody since he was arrested in December 2020 and was sentenced to six years in custody.
Police started investigating the case on December 17 when they were called to a disturbance at a motel in Chatham shortly after 4 a.m.
Officers arrested the man and initially charged him with domestic and drug related offences.
After investigating further, the victim told police that the man had been exploiting her -- that led to additional charges against the man for human trafficking.
At the time, Chief Gary Conn called human trafficking a "complex and hidden crime," adding that it is a "human rights violation that results in serious and long-term trauma for survivors."
If you or someone you know may be a victim of human trafficking, there are support services available through CK Victim Services 519-436-6630 or https://ckvictimservices.com/.
