Two men are facing serious charges related to human trafficking following a harrowing incident in Windsor, where a young woman managed to escape her captors and contact authorities.
Investigation Launched After Victim's Escape
The Windsor Police Human Trafficking Unit initiated an investigation on November 3 after a 27-year-old woman came forward. She reported being forced into the sex trade and sexually exploited over a three-day period before finding an opportunity to flee and seek police assistance.
Coordinated Arrests Across Ontario
Following the investigation, a coordinated effort led to the arrests of two suspects. With assistance from the Ontario Provincial Police-led Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement (ROPE) Squad, the first suspect was located and arrested in Barrie on December 2.
Later that same day, Windsor police took a second suspect into custody at a residence on the 400 block of Cameron Avenue in Windsor.
Charges Laid Against Accused
A 23-year-old man and a 27-year-old man now each face a series of charges. The allegations against them include:
- Human trafficking
- Procuring a person to provide sexual services
- Financial or material benefit from trafficking a person
- Material benefit from sexual services
- Advertising another person’s sexual services
The 23-year-old faces an additional charge of uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm.
Windsor police acknowledged the crucial support provided by partner agencies, including the Barrie Police Human Trafficking Unit and the Ontario-led Joint Forces Strategy (IJFS) Human Trafficking Unit.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Windsor Police Human Trafficking Unit at 519-255-6700, ext. 4830. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Windsor & Essex County Crime Stoppers. Support for victims is available through Victim Services of Windsor & Essex County and the Windsor Police Victim Assistance Unit.
