Human Trafficking Unit laid multiple Human Trafficking charges
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, February 7, 2020 12:50pm
(Ottawa) – The Ottawa Police Service Human Trafficking Unit has charged an Ottawa resident with various human trafficking charges following an investigation.
A survivor in this matter was identified to the Human Trafficking Unit in the fall of 2019 and an investigation was commenced.
On February 5, 2020, the wanted male was located in Windsor. The Windsor Police Morality Unit arrested the male without incident. Human Trafficking investigators worked collaboratively with the Windsor Police to locate, arrest and transport the accused back to Ottawa.
Rahiem GEDDES, 23 years old, of Ottawa is charged with:
- Procuring person under the age 18yrs, per 286.3(2) CCC
- Permit person under the age of 18yrs on premise for prohibited sexual activity, per 171 CCC
- Proceeds of Crime over $5000, per 354 (1) CCC
- Material Benefit from sexual services provided by a person under the age of 18yrs, per 286.2(2) CCC
- Material Benefit, per 286.2(1) CCC
- Breach of Probation x2, per 733.1 (1) CCC
- Fail to comply with Undertaking, per 145(4)(a) CCC
He has been held in custody and will be appearing in show cause court today.
“Our Human Trafficking investigative team worked in close collaboration with the Morality Unit of the Windsor Police Service to address the transient nature of these offences and those involved who attempt to avoid detection and arrests,” stated Sgt. Damien Laflamme , with the Ottawa Police Human Trafficking Unit. “Police agencies including local, provincial and national stakeholders continue to collaborate on criminal investigations to swiftly identify, locate and arrests predators.
“Our work also involves supporting survivors and providing best safety planning and exit strategies, recognizing that victims are forced into the sex trade through violence, manipulation, coercion and trickery,” added Sgt. Damien Laflamme. “We continue to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.”
The Human Trafficking Unit believes that there are further victims who have yet to come forward.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Ottawa Police Human Trafficking Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5005