National

OPP Find 10 Alleged Victims, 7 Underage, In Ongoing Human Trafficking Investigating

IANS, 25 Apr, 2017 10:27 AM

ORILLIA, Ont. — Police say a human trafficking investigation in rural Ontario has led them to 10 alleged victims — seven who are underage — and investigators believe there may be more.

Ontario Provincial Police say they have laid more than two dozen charges against a 58-year-old man from Oro-Medonte, Ont., including four charges of human trafficking.

Insp. Tina Chalk says human trafficking is not just a big city issue, but is occurring in small towns across the province, where the alleged victim is forced to have sex for money, which is kept by the trafficker.

She says the OPP has laid 35 human trafficking-related charges since the beginning of 2016.

Chalk says the alleged victims are taken throughout the province wherever there is a demand for prostitution.

Isaac "Ike" Crooks faces 26 charges that include counts of human trafficking and sexual assault.

"Once someone has been lured with promises of love or a better life, they are often transported from community to community, isolated from family or friends and every movement and action controlled by the trafficker," Chalk said at a news conference.

Police say Crooks remains in custody pending a bail hearing on May 8.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Sub-Zero Styles Create Frosty Fun At Yukon Frozen-Hair Competition

Those are the prospective winners at the Takhini Hot Pools hair-freezing contest that have captured the attention of many through the Internet.

Sub-Zero Styles Create Frosty Fun At Yukon Frozen-Hair Competition

London, Ont., Looks To Crack Down On Rowdy Rooftop Parties In City

LONDON, Ont. — A southern Ontario city is considering cracking down on residents who party on their roofs.

London, Ont., Looks To Crack Down On Rowdy Rooftop Parties In City

Tory Opposition To Islamophobia Motion Is Stoking Prejudice: Muslim Leader

OTTAWA — Conservative MPs are stoking a wave of anti-Muslim sentiment by raising unfounded fears about a motion calling on the House of Commons to condemn Islamophobia, a Canadian Muslim leader said Tuesday.

Tory Opposition To Islamophobia Motion Is Stoking Prejudice: Muslim Leader

Angry Shoveler Chases Snowplow That Dumped Load At End Of Just-Cleared Driveway

"The homeowner was not happy," said Mike Walker, the city's manager of roadway operations, who told a city committee this week about the Feb. 13 incident.

Angry Shoveler Chases Snowplow That Dumped Load At End Of Just-Cleared Driveway

Six-Year-Old Boy's Death Prompts Warning Abut Ice Levels On Drainage Canals

AIRDRIE, Alta. — An official in the community of Airdrie, just north of Calgary, says ice on a drainage canal can be deceiving and is urging caution after a little boy's death.