Ottawa police have laid a series of severe human trafficking charges against a 25-year-old local man and are appealing to the public for information, as investigators believe there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward.
Charges Stem from Lengthy Investigation
According to a police release issued on Wednesday, the investigation began in November of last year and focused on one female victim. The alleged criminal activities, however, span a significant period from September 2022 to May 2024.
The accused, Lochiel McCarthy, 25, of Ottawa, is scheduled to appear in court to face a lengthy list of charges. These include two counts of Trafficking in Persons under 18, multiple counts of Material Benefit and Procuring involving a minor, Advertising another person's sexual services, Sexual Assault, three counts of Assault by choking, Uttering death threats, and Administering a noxious substance.
Police Release Photo Due to Suspect's Aliases
In an unusual step, the Ottawa Police Service has publicly released a photograph of the accused. They explained this decision by stating that potential victims may only know McCarthy by his alleged aliases and not his legal name.
"He is alleged to have used the alias of 'Lucky', 'Lucky number 13', and '13'," the police service noted in their statement. Releasing his image is intended to help identify anyone who may have had concerning interactions with a man using those nicknames.
Support for Victims is Paramount
The police emphasized that the Human Trafficking Unit's primary concern is supporting survivors. They assured the public that the unit will respect a victim's wishes on whether to pursue criminal charges and can offer access to resources and support regardless of their decision to participate in the legal process.
Authorities stressed that victim reporting is crucial for investigators to identify suspects and understand crime patterns. "The reporting of these incidents by victims to police is key for investigators to identify suspects and determine crime trends," the release stated.
How to Provide Information
Ottawa Police are urging anyone with information about incidents involving Lochiel McCarthy or a man using the aliases "Lucky," "Lucky number 13," or "13" to contact their Human Trafficking Unit tip line at 613-236-1222, extension 5625, or via email at mcm@ottawapolice.ca.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or online at crimestoppers.ca.
