Police are concerned there may be more victims after a 21-year-old male was arrested and charged with committing sexual offences against a minor.
On Friday, February 7, 2025, members of the Durham Regional Police Service’s Human Trafficking Unit (HTU) began an investigation after it was learned a 14-year-old girl was being groomed for human trafficking. The victim had been contacted, unsolicited, by a male on Snapchat who claimed he was 18 years old and went by the name “Ace.” The victim informed him that she was 14-years-old but the male continued to engage with her. During this time the accused and victim met up on several occasions.
On Wednesday, February 12, 2025, a Criminal Code search warrant was executed at the male’s residence on Brimley Road in Scarborough. With the assistance of uniformed members, HTU investigators executed the warrant, and a male was arrested without incident.
A 21-year-old male from Toronto is charged with Sexual Interference with a person under 16 years of age and Invitation to Sexual Touching Under 16 years of age.
He was held for a bail hearing.
A support network for survivors of human trafficking has been established in the Region of Durham. These services can be accessed via www.stopht.com.
Victim Services of Durham Region is available for anyone who needs free, confidential support without judgement. Visit their website at www.victimservicesdurham.ca.
Anyone who has been victimized by the accused or has any information about this or similar incidents is asked to contact the Human Trafficking Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5600.
Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)