NEWS RELEASE
YORK REGIONAL POLICE
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Investigators with the York Regional Police Special Victims Unit - Human Trafficking Section are asking any additional victims to come forward after a 47-year-old man was charged with internet child luring and underage prostitution-related offences.
On Monday, Nov. 25, 2019, a concerned parent reported to police that she found text messages on her 17-year-old daughter’s phone regarding exchanging sex for money. After a lengthy investigation, officers determined that the victim met the suspect online and he persuaded her to meet in person to exchange sex for money on more than one occasion.
On Wednesday, June 17, 2020, the suspect was arrested in the City of Toronto and is now facing charges. Investigators are releasing an image of the accused and are encouraging any additional victims to please come forward.
Charged:
- Shane Suman, 47, of the City of Toronto
- Used the name “Rico”
Charges:
- Luring a person under 18 by means of telecommunication
- Obtaining sexual services for consideration from a person under the age of 18 x2
- Obtaining sexual services for consideration
- Fail to comply with recognizance
Those purchasing or attempting to purchase sexual services from anyone under the age of 18 are committing a serious criminal offence and are victimizing and exploiting these young teens or children.
York Regional Police is committed to investigating these incidents and assisting victims of these crimes. It is increasingly more common for children and teens to access the internet on their cell phones in their bedrooms where they are not being supervised. York Regional Police advises strongly against this practice and reminds our community that online predators take advantage of these situations and look for these opportunities.
Parents are encouraged to remain aware of the sites children and teens are visiting online and who they are communicating with at all times.
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 at www.1800222tips.com.
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