Man charged with manipulating victim into human trafficking scheme in Peel

A 45-year-old man from Ottawa has been charged by Peel Regional Police in connection with a human trafficking investigation in Mississauga and Brampton.

The investigation was initiated in November 2021 when the Peel Regional Police Vice Unit received information regarding a young woman from Halifax who had been forced into the sex trade.

According to reports, the victim was convinced to leave her home in May 2022 with the promise of pursuing a career in the music industry in Peel.

However, upon her arrival, a man allegedly subjected the victim to exploitation, exercising control over various aspects of her life while profiting financially for several months, police say.

Eventually, the victim returned home to Nova Scotia.

On June 16,  investigators received information that a suspect was in custody at an Ottawa Detention Centre.

Juteah Downey has been charged with procuring a person to become a prostitute, uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm, and exercising control over a person to aid them in engaging in prostitution.

Downey was released on conditional bail and is scheduled to appear in Brampton court on June 26.