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Man arrested after 16-year-old girl exploited in sex trade, police say

20-year-old Brampton man faces a several charges for human trafficking, child pornography
2020-12-22 YRP Justin Barrett
Justin Barrett. Supplied photo/York Regional Police

NEWS RELEASE
YORK REGIONAL POLICE
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Investigators with the York Regional Police Special Victims Unit - Human Trafficking Section have charged a 20-year-old man with human trafficking related offences.

On Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020, the accused was arrested and charged after a 16-year-old female was procured and exploited in the sex trade, resulting in her turning over earnings to an adult male.

Investigators believe that in 2019, the accused spent time in West Virginia, United States, and currently has ties to Nova Scotia. Investigators are releasing an image of the accused in the event there are other victims.

Charged:
    •    Justin Barrett, 20, City of Brampton

Charges include:
    •    Trafficking in persons under the age of 18
    •    Material benefit from trafficking in persons under the age of 18
    •    Material benefit from sexual services of a person under 18 years
    •    Procure person under the age of 18
    •    Exercise control, direction or influence over a person under the age of 18
    •    Distribution of child pornography
    •    Possession of child pornography
    •    Luring a child under the age of 18

Members of the York Regional Police Special Victims Unit - Human Trafficking Section are continuing their aggressive efforts in combating human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of women and underage girls. In many cases, victims are forced into the sex trade through violence, threats of violence, coercion and trickery. York Regional Police is committed to investigating all incidents relating to human trafficking and providing assistance to victims. Investigators are willing to speak with anyone involved in the sex trade who may be looking for a way out or who may require assistance to escape these dangerous circumstances.

A national hotline has been established through the Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking to provide an avenue for victims and survivors to reach out for assistance and for members of the public to report incidents of human trafficking. The number to call is 1-833-900-1010. For more information please click on the following link.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police Human Trafficking Section at 1-866-876- 5423, ext. 6800, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or leave an anonymous tip online.

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