Barrie Police have arrested and charged a 25-year-old Scarborough man with nine different offences on Wednesday in connection to a months-long human trafficking investigation.
Police say he initially lured a 23-year-old Barrie woman through social media and exercised control of her for nearly two years, taking advantage of her substance dependency and forcing her into the sex trade, keeping the proceeds.
The investigation, led by the Barrie Police Service Human Trafficking Unit was launched in May and the suspect was arrested in Kitchener.
He was charged with human trafficking, procuring, material benefit from human trafficking and sexual services, assault, uttering threats, trafficking cocaine, and two counts of failing to comply with a release order.
Barrie Police have identified the accused as Vincent Jones of Scarborough because investigators believe there may be additional victims and are encouraging anyone with information to come forward. An image of the white Tesla he was known to drive was also shared.
"Human traffickers primarily focus on vulnerable individuals and typically engage in a process called ‘grooming,’" the service said in a news release. "This process involves manipulation, emotional abuse, addiction, threats, violence, isolation, and control."
Police say its important to recognize potential signs of grooming, which include sudden changes in behavior (including fear, anxiety, depression or hypervigilance); withdrawal from friends, family, or usual activities; or signs of physical abuse or neglect, possession of unexplained gifts, money, or phones.
The Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline is available to those who are victims or survivors of sex trade or forced labour, or think someone is.
