EDITOR’S NOTE: An earlier version of this story stated that Jessica Kane was charged with additional offences. However, months later, two charges against Kane were withdrawn by the Crown.
Charges of armed robbery and forcible confinement against a Vancouver escort were withdrawn in an Ontario courtroom earlier this year, Global News has learned.
Jessica Kane, 32, who pleaded guilty last July to theft in B.C., was one of two people initially charged in a robbery in Vaughan, Ont., in January.
York Regional Police said that on Jan. 19 at approximately 9:30 a.m. officers responded to reports of a robbery in the area of Major Mackenzie Drive West and Jane Street.
A victim had contacted police to report he had been held against his will by two suspects, who forced him to withdraw money from several ATMs.
Police said the victim had met the suspects while attempting to arrange a sexual encounter and had entered their car to arrange the transaction.
Kane then allegedly threatened the victim at knifepoint, police said, and forced him to provide his banking information. Police said the male suspect then drove to several ATMs so that the victim could withdraw money.
The victim was eventually released and contacted police.
York Regional Police released photos of the suspects. Investigators believe there may be additional victims across Canada and are encouraging them to come forward.
Kane pleaded guilty and was found guilty of Failing to Comply with a Probation Order.
Mannan Khanna, 22, from Toronto, has been charged with armed robbery and forcible confinement.
At the time of the offence, Kane was wanted in Alberta and was on probation for unrelated charges, police said.
James Dickson, a media relations officer with York Regional Police told Global News that they are also aware of a report involving Kane in Saskatchewan.
“Investigators are still working with the police in Alberta to determine whether or not they are going to return on those wants,” he said. “We do know there was probation and that there were unrelated charges to our incident.”
Dickson said in this circumstance, Kane has been charged with breach of probation due to the Alberta charges.
“Our biggest concern, obviously, is when someone is travelling right across the country that there are going to be other victims,” he added. “And particularly in a circumstance where somebody is going out trying to procure sexual services, there may be a level of stigma or embarrassment that they face and don’t necessarily feel comfortable reporting to police.”
Dickson said they hope everyone who is a victim knows that they can come forward without embarrassment.
He confirmed both Kane and Khanna are still in custody.
Anyone with information is asked to call the York Regional Police Hold-Up Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6630, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. To leave an anonymous tip online, visit www.1800222tips.com.