WATCH: Toronto Police update investigation into human trafficking, sex ring
TORONTO – Toronto police have laid additional charges against three Toronto suspects allegedly involved in a sex trafficking ring after another underage victim came forward to authorities this month.
Sage Finestone, 21, Nicholas Faria, 19, and Natasha Robataille, 18, now face 43 charges including human trafficking and forcible confinement with relation to a 16-year-old girl who was allegedly procured for the sex trade.
Police say the latest victim to come forward was recruited sometime in January of this year and lured by the accused into hotel rooms for prostitution.
“She was picked up from outside of Toronto and driven to the downtown Toronto hotel,” said Inspector Joanna Beaven-Desjardins during a press conference Tuesday.
“The three accused had the 16-year-old girl provide sexual services over the course of 2 days.”
Police said the victim eventually managed to escape and later received threats by phone and text message.
“They are led to believe they are entering a world of glamour and riches, which in reality they enter into a world of severe abuse,” said Insp. Beaven-Desjardins.
“[They] force them into prositution, move them from hotel to hotel.”
The three accused initially faced 10 charges related to human trafficking involving a 14-year-old girl.
Police said she was rescued from the human trafficking ring after security guards investigated a noise complaint at a Marriott hotel in downtown Toronto.
She was confined to the room and police allege the suspects took her personal belongings, including her phone and disabled the hotel room phone.
Investigators say the three accused have been released on bail.
Police said they believe there may be a link between this investigation and the larger issue of missing and murdered aboriginal women in Canada.
Police are urging any victims or witnesses with information to call police at 416-808-7400 or Crime Stoppers at 416-222-8477.
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