A 29-year-old male has been arrested in a human trafficking investigation and investigators want to ensure there are no further victims.
On Wednesday, February 17, an 18-year-old victim came forward stating the accused recruited her from an online classifieds app. The suspect forced her into the sex trade industry and exploited her across the Greater Toronto Area.
Steven Ponce of Taylorwood Road in Oshawa, was arrested and charged with: Assault; Mischief Under $5000; Material Benefit from Sexual Services; Material Benefit from Trafficking Person Over 18; Procuring Person to Provide Sexual Services; Trafficking Persons by Exercising Control; Obtaining Sexual Services for Consideration and Procuring/Exercise Control.
He was held for a bail hearing.
Human Trafficking investigators are releasing his photo to ensure there are no other victims. It can be viewed at www.drps.ca under Newsroom.
Anyone with new information about this investigation is asked to contact D/Cst. Chapman of the Human Trafficking Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5604.