Investigators with the York Regional Police Human Trafficking Unit have charged a Vaughan man after an investigation into the trafficking of a youth in the City of Vaughan.
On December 26, 2024 at approximately 2:50 p.m., officers attended a residence in the area of Steeles Avenue and Bathurst Street for a Check Welfare call. On scene, officers learned that the victim, a youth, was being held against her will, had been sexually assaulted and was being trafficked for a sexual purpose.
The suspect met the victim at a shopping centre two months prior and began communicating with her on social media. The suspect lured the victim to his residence where he sexually and physically assaulted her. The suspect took pornographic photos of the victim in order to advertise sexual services and then trafficked her for this purpose.
York Regional Police is releasing an image of the suspect as investigators believe there are additional victims and are encouraging them to come forward. A photo of the suspect and a list of charges can be found found HERE.
A sexual assault includes any non-consensual contact of a sexual nature. York Regional Police encourages victims to report incidents of sexual assault, including historical offences. There is no statute of limitations for sexual offences and offenders can be prosecuted well after the date of the offence.
If someone is not ready to report, however is seeking support, please contact York Region Victim Services victimservices-york.org , the Cedar Centre http://www.cedarcentre.ca/ or the Women’s Support Network womenssupportnetwork.ca. Additional resources and information can also be found on our website http://www.yrp.ca/en/services/resources/sexualassaultsurvivorsguide.pdf
Anyone with information is asked to call the York Regional Police Human Trafficking Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6800 or by email at HT@yrp.ca. Anonymous tips can be made to Crime at 1-800-222-TIPS, or online at www.1800222tips.com.
Visit our Community Safety Data Portal for complete stats and crime data within York Region. Crime prevention is our shared responsibility. Learn more about Operation Streetview.
Prepared by: Constable James Dickson
24-405197
December 30, 2024
