A 24-year-old Halifax man has been arrested on a Canada-wide warrant for allegedly luring a 17-year-old girl and taking her to Toronto to work in the sex trade.
Toronto police say they began their investigation in April 2015 after the accused recruited the girl and convinced her to travel to Toronto. Once in Toronto, the suspect allegedly forced her to have sex with clients in a spa.
Police say the man destroyed her IDs and made new ones so it appeared like she was an adult.
Authorities say the girl was assaulted and feared for her safety.
All the money collected from the sexual services were also turned over to the man.
Police say the girl managed to escape and contact authorities. The accused subsequently fled to Halifax where he was located and arrested on Sept. 21.
Shondell Lucas-Johnson is charged with eight criminal offences including trafficking a person under the age of 18 years, material benefit from sexual services provided by a person under 18 and forcible confinement.
Police are concerned there may be more victims.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7474, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at http://www.222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637).
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