A Mississauga man is facing multiple charges, including human trafficking, after an investigation by London police.
The London Police Service (LPS) says it was contacted in June by a woman who reported being the victim of human trafficking, assaults and exploitation dating back to 2019.
During the investigation, police learned the suspect had allegedly been involved in similar relationships with multiple women over several years.
Investigators received information that one victim had been exploited in the sex trade, that the suspect had financially benefited from her activities, and that he had tried to recruit more women for sexual exploitation. Multiple incidents of violence were also reported, police say.
On Oct. 21, members of the LPS Human Trafficking Unit, with help from the Toronto Police Service Emergency Response Team, executed search warrants in Etobicoke and Woodbridge.
Police seized a quantity of Canadian cash, four cellphones and multiple Percocet pills. The suspect was arrested in Woodbridge.
Jesse Nigel Jones, 32, of Mississauga, has been charged with:
Three counts of assault
Trafficking in persons
Material benefit resulting from trafficking in persons
Procuring
Material benefit from sexual services
Failure to comply with a release order
Possession of a Schedule 1 substance
He remains in custody and is expected to appear in a London court on Oct. 26.
Investigators believe there may be more victims and have released a photo of the accused. Anyone who may have had contact with him, or who has information about the investigation, is asked to call London police at 519-661-5670.
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According to police, signs of human trafficking can include people who appear to be controlled by others, have no access to their ID or money, show signs of fear or intimidation, or can’t speak freely about their situation. Victims may also move locations often or be accompanied by someone who speaks for them.
The allegations have not been proven in court.
Anyone who is a victim of human trafficking, or who has information about it, can also contact the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-900-1010. The confidential hotline runs 24/7 and offers live interpretation in more than 200 languages.
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