Potential human trafficking victims have come forward and that has led to additional charges against a man that already faces similar charges.
OPP have issued an appeal for other victims to come forward.
Earlier this month, an Oro-Medonte Township resident was charged with 21 criminal offences, including two charges related to human trafficking.
Now, Detective Staff Sergeant Scott Moore the Criminal Investigation Branch says two additional victims have been identified by investigators in the past two weeks.
58-year-old Isaac "Ike" CROOKS is further charged with:
- Sexual Assault
- Two counts of 'Trafficking of a Person'
- Obtain Sexual Services for Consideration
- Material benefit - Trafficking of a Person
Crooks remains in custody but a bail hearing will take place at a date and location to be determined. A court-imposed publication ban remains in place which restricts further details from being released.
Investigators believe there may be additional child and adult victims who were forced into the sex trade against their will.
The Orillia OPP Crime Unit is continuing to investigate these incidents and has established a tip line for potential victims to come forward. Anyone having any information about similar offences involving Crooks is asked to call the Orillia OPP at 705-326-3536 or the tip line at 1-844-677-5050.
You can also submit your tip to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.crimestopperssdm.com.
"Human trafficking victims are often from extremely vulnerable populations," said Inspector Tina Chalk of the OPP Electronic Crime Section. "Enhancing positive community partnerships and continuing our enforcement efforts are critical to effectively respond to this kind of crime. We also want to demonstrate that victims of human trafficking can be found anywhere in Ontario. Sadly, smaller and rural communities are not immune."
The OPP remains committed to fighting human trafficking through intelligence-gathering and working with our partners to support and refer victims to appropriate community-based resources for assistance."-
- Inspector Pat MORRIS, Commander - OPP Orillia Detachment
