Thirty charges have been filed against a Toronto man by Windsor police following an in-depth investigation into human trafficking.
The Windsor police's Morality Unit began a probe on September 15, after receiving a complaint from a woman who said she was forced into the sex trade.
According to the victim, the exploitation had begun in Toronto and gone on for a month, with the suspect tracking her every move, along with her finances and food. The victim also told police she was verbally and physically assaulted repeatedly.
In one instance, the suspect threw an object at her head, breaking a front tooth.
The suspect soon brought the victim to Windsor to offer services, but she was able to escape.
Police found the suspect's car parked on Parent Avenue near Erie Street East, but the suspect ran away when confronted. The vehicle was searched, uncovering a firearm and over $140,000 in illicit drugs, including fentanyl, cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, and oxycodone.
On September 23, the OPP-led Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement (ROPE) Squad found and arrested the suspect at a residence in Toronto.
The 28-year-old man was brought back to Windsor and faces a total of 30 counts, including the following.
Eight counts of possession of a firearm or ammunition while prohibited
Four counts of possession of a Schedule I substance with intent to sell
Three counts of uttering threats of death or bodily harm
Two counts of breach of probation
Additional single counts of various offences were also laid, including procuring or advertising sexual services, gaining material benefit from sexual or trafficking services, assault, assault with a weapon, possession of a loaded firearm, fleeing a police officer, and others.
The charges have not been proven in court.
Anyone with information should call the Windsor police's Morality Unit at (519) 255-6700, ext. 4830. Anonymous tips may be submitted to Crime Stoppers at (519) 258-TIPS).
If you or someone you know has been affected by human trafficking or needs support, please contact Victim Services of Windsor and Essex County at (519) 723-2711 or the Windsor Police Victim Assistance Unit at (519) 255-6700, ext. 4879.