Eleven suspects were arrested after a two week investigation by the Human Trafficking Unit.
On Tuesday, June 12, 2018, members of the Human Trafficking Unit concluded an enforcement initiative dubbed Project Chestermere which resulted in eleven males being arrested. This two week undercover project targeted “Johns” who were looking for sexual services from 16-year-olds.The DRPS Human Trafficking Unit partnered with Peterborough Police Service and Ontario Provincial Police to conduct the project in Durham Region and the City of Peterborough.
Eleven males were arrested and Investigators have laid 45 criminal charges including:
Sexual Exploitation; Obtaining Sexual Services for Consideration; Luring a Child with one of the suspects charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Cocaine.
The DRPS Human Trafficking Unit is committed to investigating incidents of exploitative and /or forced sex-trade work and is committed to helping all victims and connecting them with community resources to support them. The DRPS would like to appeal to any person who may be involved in a similar situation or may know someone involved to come forward. DRPS takes these cases seriously and will conduct a thorough investigation, as well as protect the victims of this crime.
The Human Trafficking Unit would like to thank everyone who assisted with this initiative.
Anyone with new information about this incident is to contact A/Det. Davies of the Human Trafficking Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5603.
Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
