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Owen Sound Police say a human trafficking investigation has resulted in a number of charges.
Police say a 43-year-old Owen Sound man was arrested on Nov. 21 after investigators were alerted about a local 15-year-old girl being exploited for sexual services.
Police say the investigation revealed that the male party had connected with the girl and misrepresented himself on Snapchat. The communications led to direct contact with the girl and a second young female, during which alleged sexual acts occurred on a number of occasions.
Police say the accused is facing two counts of obtaining sexual services for consideration, procuring and exercising control, direction or influence on someone under 18, luring, invitation to sexual touching, sexual interference, and sexual assault.
Police add the accused was held in police custody and was taken before the Ontario Court of Justice on Nov. 22 for a bail hearing for these charges.
The next court appearance is Dec. 15.
Police say Constables Geoff Bridgeman and Chevonne Martin of the service’s Community Oriented Response and Enforcement Team investigated the matter and stress to the community human trafficking is a serious problem not only in large areas, but also in smaller communities.
Police add victims are often lured through common social media platforms. They say it’s important for parents and caregivers to engage and have conversations with those at risk about the dangers of social media and friending people who they don’t know.
Police did not name the accused.
More information on internet youth safety is available on the Owen Sound Police website here.