Officers with the South Simcoe Police Service arrested a fourth suspect in connection with a human trafficking investigation dubbed Project Chameleon.
A 37-year-old man surrendered himself to police on Monday.
His charges include:
- Trafficking in Persons
- Material Benefit from the Trafficking of Persons
- Material Benefit from Sexual Services
- Advertising Sexual Services
- Sexual Assault
The accused was held for a bail hearing.
The South Simcoe Police Service launched Project Chameleon following reports in May of a woman being held in a residence in Innisfil to provide sexual services.
"As the investigation progressed, three suspects were identified as being responsible for posting online advertisements for sexual services in relation to several females from the Bradford and Innisfil areas, including the original female victim," police wrote in a release earlier this month.
Then on Wednesday, November 1, officers executed search warrants at a residence in Innisfil as well as Newmarket. Police seized more than $30,000 in drugs including fentanyl, crystal meth, cocaine, and pills believed to be oxycodone.
The following people were initially arrested and charged:
A 38-year-old from Innisfil.
- Trafficking in Persons x 1
- Material Benefit from the Trafficking of Persons x 1
- Material Benefit from Sexual Services x 1
- Advertising Sexual Services x 1
He was also charged with several drug-related offences - Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking x 4 and Possession of a Controlled Substance x 4.
A 29-year-old from Brampton.
- Trafficking in Persons x 1
- Material Benefit from the Trafficking of Persons x 1
- Material Benefit from Sexual Services x 1
- Advertising Sexual Services x 1
They were also charged with drug-related offences.
- Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking x 4
- Possession of a Controlled Substance x 4
And a 38-year-old from Barrie.
- Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking x 4
- Possession of a Controlled Substance x 4
"Police would also like to inform victims of human trafficking that they may also seek assistance by contacting the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline 1-833-900-1010," officers stated.
If anyone has information related to the investigation, contact the investigators listed below or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222 TIPS (8477).
Detective Constable Holly MURRAY – holly.murray@southsimcoepolice.ca or 905-775-3311 x 1009
Detective Constable Dan RAYMOND – dan.raymond@southsimcoepolice.ca or 905-775-3311 x 1027
Detective Constable Andrew SMITH – andrew.smith@southsimcoepolice.ca or 905-775-3311 x 1043
Banner image - file photo - Barrie 360
