Third arrest made in Toronto-area teenage girl human trafficking case
Toronto police say a third person has been arrested in a human trafficking investigation involving two underage girls.
Toronto police say a third person has been arrested in a human trafficking investigation involving two underage girls.
Investigators allege a 14-year-old and a 17-year-old were trafficked through deception, coercion, and control, with their earnings taken by the accused.
Police say “sexualized photos” were used to create and manage online ads, and the victims were transported to hotels in the Greater Toronto Area to meet clients.
Police previously announced the August arrests of 22-year-old Tyrique Harmer of Hamilton and 21-year-old Maria Toth-Taddeo of Toronto.
Both face multiple charges, including trafficking in persons under 18, accessing and publishing child pornography, advertising sexual services, procuring minors, drug trafficking and firearm offences.
On September 18, investigators executed three search warrants at two Toronto addresses and a vehicle, resulting in the arrest of 19-year-old Dejaun Clarke of Toronto.
He faces charges that include trafficking in minors, sexual assault, sexual interference, firearms and weapons offences, as well as child pornography and drug trafficking counts.
All three accused have appeared at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre.
Police believe there may be additional victims and are urging anyone with information to come forward.