A recent court decision reveals unsettling details of an investigation that resulted in the rescue of a 22-year-old woman who was forced into prostitution at a Burlington hotel, where demand was ‘high.’
This court ruling uncovers alarming new information about a human trafficking case that led to the liberation of a 22-year-old “sex slave” from her hotel room in Burlington.
The victim, a woman from Quebec whose name is protected due to a publication ban, was held captive in a room at the Admiral Inn on Billings Court, where she was compelled to provide sexual services to as many as 15 clients daily – “back to back,” according to the judge.
“She was dehumanized, commodified, exploited, and turned into a sex slave,” wrote Madam Justice Erika Chozik in her extensive ruling. “She had no choice but to accept clients, even when she protested that one of them was covered in sores or that she was too tired or that she ran out of condoms. She had no ability to say ‘no.’”
The two men who trafficked her deliberately brought her to Halton because “the demand for paid sexual services in the local hotels in Burlington is high,” the judge stated.
“She provided sexual services to dozens, if not hundreds, of men,” continued the ruling. “The accused controlled when [the victim] ate, drank, smoked, slept, showered, had access to speed, who she saw, when, what rate she charged and what services she performed.”
Last month Halton Police announced convictions against two men from Quebec related to this case: Karl Lorthy Augustin, 32 years old and Andrew St. Armand, 28 years old. Augustin received an eight-year prison sentence while St. Armand got five years.
“These significant custodial sentences represent the dedication of the service in pursuing these predators and ensuring the safety of the community that we are entrusted to serve,” Deputy Chief Jeff Hill mentioned in the press release.
However, the full court ruling made public online offers an even deeper insight into this disturbing underworld of human trafficking right here in our city.
The woman referred to only as R. G. B., was driven around various locations in Ontario between September and November 2018. Her services were advertised on a site called “Leolist,” with Augustin and St. Armand overseeing “every aspect” of their operation. Despite earning thousands of dollars during this time frame, she never saw any money.
By November they had settled at the Admiral Inn. One room housed R. G. B., while nearby were both men managing incoming clients online and directing them towards her door. After each visit ended one would go retrieve cash left behind by clients.
“They orchestrated and coordinated themselves to ensure she was supervised and could not leave,” states the ruling. “This was a sophisticated well-planned exploitative criminal enterprise aimed at generating as much money as possible by essentially enslaving R. G. B.”
The men maintained constant communication with R. G. B. through text messages informing her about which client would arrive next and what acts needed performing along with how much they should charge. According to phone records collected by police on Nov. 5th 2018 it became particularly harsh for R. G. B.: between 10:04 AM until 11:54 PM she attended consecutively upon 15 different men without breaks.
Throughout that day alone R. G. B texted Augustin expressing feelings of sickness needing rest or food while pleading for sleep.
“Notwithstanding those messages Augustin continued sending more clients her way,” wrote the judge. “When asked by R. G. B for speed or tobacco he instructed her instead just do one more client; despite further requests indicating necessity for sustenance eventually leading up until stating ‘I am going to kill myself,’ Augustin sent additional clients.”
In another exchange with him R. G. B said: “I am through I hurt I will rest now.”
“The faster you do them-the faster you are through,” he replied back
“Alright good night,” came her response.
“Shut up I’ll send another one soon,” typed back Augustin.
On Remembrance Day back during November ’18-security footage captured inside hotel hallway showed Augustine carrying red object under his arm later confirmed being confiscated boots taken from victim after threatening escape attempt occurred.
Back inside room , built up courage enough finally reach mom -who immediately dialed emergency number contacting authorities explaining daughter being kept hostage inside hotel location guarded by ” pimps “.
Arrested subsequently by Halton Police ultimately both perpetrators found guilty across multiple charges including human trafficking procurement alongside regarding sexual services rendered through their victim.
During sentencing hearing St. Armund refrained addressing courtroom whereas Augstine did share thoughts admitting actions grossly wrong pretending behavior somewhat legitimate describing arrest itself blessing opportunity confronting personal reflection avoided previously missed out on earlier stages life.
“Augustin penned letter directed towards R. G. B read aloud within court ,” continues ruling.” In it expressed regret wishing bad feel over matters faced herself acknowledging good heart deeming special aspiring someday recognition given.”
His victim remained absent throughout witness stand witnessing statements presented although following original remarks offered police chose refrain progressing legalities preferring bypass subsequent trial proceedings prompting judge issuance warrant apprehending testimony secured official manner demanded.
” She wished neither revisit nor discuss troubling events experienced “, Chozik noted documenting circumstances taking place.” Undoubtedly experiences endured result offenses inflicted possess profound traumatic lasting negative effect throughout life.”
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