An adult male and female are facing numerous charges after attempting to lure an underage female into the sex trade.
In October, members of the Human Trafficking Unit (HTU), with the assistance of the York Regional Police HTU, began an investigation into a male and female who sexually assaulted and attempted to lure a 15-year-old female into the sex trade.
The male suspect approached the victim at a coffee shop in the Jane Street and Avro Road area in Vaughan. The suspect offered the victim a ride home, however instead took the victim to various locations across the GTA, police said.
The suspect took the victim’s phone before bringing her to his residence in Oshawa where they were met by the female suspect. The male suspect sexually assaulted the victim and forced her to stay inside the residence. The following day the victim was able to leave and returned home.
The Raid
On Thursday, October 23, members of the HTU, with the assistance of the DRPS Robbery Unit and Project Attire Team, executed a search warrant at a residence in the area of Arctic Red Drive and Secreto Drive in Oshawa. Both suspects were located and taken into custody without incident, police said.
Police have concerns there may be other victims. A photo of both suspects, along with their names and other details, can be viewed at www.drps.ca.
The male suspect, age 29 and the female, age 21, both from Oshawa were charged and held for a bail hearing.
Supports Available
A support network for survivors of human trafficking has been established in the Region of Durham. These services can be accessed via www.stopht.com. Victim Services of Durham Region is available for anyone who needs free, confidential support without judgment. Visit their website at www.victimservicesdurham.ca.
Anyone who has been victimized by either accused or has any information about this or similar incidents is asked to contact the Human Trafficking Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5600.
Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.
Editor’s Note: Durham Post does not name or identify the accused as:
1. Of this time, they are suspect[s] and not convicted by a court, and
2. Sometimes charges are amended or dropped.