The Halton Regional Police Service reports that Shemica Duncan, 33, from Oakville, has been charged in connection with a human trafficking investigation. (Photo: HRPS)
Authorities have brought human trafficking, assault, and other charges against an Ontario woman accused of forcing three women into sex work.
The inquiry into alleged human trafficking in the Greater Toronto Area began in September, according to Halton Regional Police and Peel Regional Police.
According to investigators, three adult female victims were reportedly trafficked by a woman from Oakville who “used coercion, manipulation, physical violence, and psychological harm to maintain control and influence over the victims” while profiting from their situation.
On October 1, officers executed a search warrant at an Oakville residence and arrested a 33-year-old woman on more than a dozen charges including trafficking in persons, assault with a weapon, and forcible confinement.
Halton police state that Shemica Duncan, 33 years old from Oakville has been charged with:
Two counts each of trafficking in persons, material benefit – trafficking in persons, material benefit – sexual services, and forcible confinement; three counts of advertising sexual services; six counts of procuring; along with one count each of assault with a weapon, choking, and utter threats.
The accused is currently being held in custody awaiting a bail hearing scheduled for Milton.
Investigators suspect there could be more victims involved and mention that Duncan has gone by the alias “Coco.”
If anyone has information or believes they may have been victimized, they are encouraged to reach out to the Halton police Human Trafficking Unit at 905-825-4747 ext. 4973. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477 or visiting www. ontariocrimestoppers. ca.
When you contact Crime Stoppers you stay anonymous, never have to testify, and could receive a $2,000 reward.
Last 30 Days: 65,158 Votes
All Time: 1,129,787 Votes
1829 VOTES
Source link
How often do you go to downtown Toronto for a restaurant?
INsauga’s Editorial Standards and PoliciesSource link
