(CENTRAL HASTINGS, ON) – In September 2015 the Central Hastings Crime Unit of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) launched a Human Trafficking investigation into incidents that occurred in Central Hastings, Belleville and Kingston.
On January 11, 2016 investigators arrested Matthew COLE, 29 of Belleville, ON. He is charged with:
· Conspiracy to Commit the Indictable offence of Human Trafficking
· Human Trafficking (a person under 18)
· Procurement
He was released on a Promise to Appear and Officer-In-Charge Undertaking to appear in Ontario Court of Justice, Belleville on February 25, 2016.
On January 12, 2016 investigators arrested Travis ALTHOUSE, 28 of Cordova, ON. He is charged with:
• Conspiracy to Commit the Indictable offence of Human Trafficking
• Human Trafficking (a person under 18)
• Procurement (3 counts)
He appeared on January 13, 2016 and was remanded into custody to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice, Belleville today, January14, 2016, by video remand.
Human trafficking involves the recruitment, transportation, holding or concealing of persons for the purposes of exploitation, most typically in the sex industry. It involves the receiving of a financial or material benefit through the exploitation of that person. Procurement involves acquiring a person to become a prostitute and/or exercising control or influence over the movements of a person in a manner to compel them to engage in prostitution.
As the investigation continues, members of the Central Hastings OPP Crime Unit encourage anyone with information or concerns for the safety of any person relating to this investigation to call 613-473-4234 or OPP Communication Centre at 1-888-310-1122.