Halifax police have charged four members of a family with human trafficking, after it’s alleged two women were directed into prostitution.
Investigators began their investigation on Feb. 26. It’s alleged a man “directed and influenced” the women, aged 21 and 22, for the purpose of prostitution.
Two women and a man were arrested Wednesday night at an apartment on Roleika Drive in Dartmouth.
A 25-year-old man was arrested Thursday at the Dartmouth Provincial Court.
Justin Jurrell Gray, 25, faces charges of material benefit from sexual service, unlawful confinement, uttering threats, advertising of sexual services, procuting, trafficking in persons, sexual assault and material benefit from trafficking.
Leslie Burton Gray, 26, Robin Elizabeth Gray, 58, and Laura Mona Gray, 27, — all from Dartmouth — face charges of material benefit from sexual service, material benefit from trafficking and trafficking in persons.
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Superintendent Jim Perrin, the officer-in-charge of the Integrated Criminal Investigation Division, confirms the four people charged are a mother and her children.
He says while there’s no reason to believe there are other victims, it’s “certainly something that’s possible.”
“We’re hopeful that today’s charges may motivate another victim that we’re not aware of to come forward,” he said.
Police say their investigation is ongoing.
They’re asking anyone with information on this case or other cases of potential human trafficking to call them at 902-490-5020 or submit a tip anonymously through Crime Stoppers.