A 25-year-old Scarborough man is facing multiple charges after Barrie Police arrested him in connection with an ongoing human trafficking investigation.
The Barrie Police Service Human Trafficking Unit launched the investigation in May after receiving allegations of sex trade exploitation, assault, threats, and controlling behaviour.
Police allege the accused, Vincent Reid, first contacted a 23-year-old Barrie woman through social media before grooming and exploiting her over a period of nearly two years. Investigators say he manipulated the victim by exploiting her substance dependency, forced her into the sex trade, and kept the proceeds from her sexual services.
Reid was arrested in Kitchener on Wednesday, July 15th.
He has been charged with:
- Trafficking in Persons
- Procuring
- Material Benefit from Trafficking in Person
- Material Benefit from Sexual Services
- Advertising Sexual Services
- Assault
- Utter Threats
- Trafficking Cocaine
- Fail to Comply with Release Order (x2)
Investigators have released the accused’s name, photograph, and an image of a white Tesla he was known to drive, believing there may be additional victims.
Barrie Police are asking anyone with information to contact the investigating officers, adding that human traffickers often target vulnerable individuals through a grooming process involving manipulation, emotional abuse, addiction, threats, violence, isolation, and control.
Anyone who believes they may be a victim of human trafficking or has information about the investigation is encouraged to contact sbovair@barriepolice.ca or cconroy@barriepolice.ca.
