A 34-year-old Vaughan man has been arrested in connection with a youth trafficking investigation by York Regional Police’s human trafficking unit.
Police were sent to a residence near Steeles Avenue and Bathurst Street on Boxing Day, Dec. 26 at around 2:50 p.m., for a check welfare call.
While officers were at the scene, officers learned that the victim, a youth, was being held against her will, had been sexually assaulted, and was being trafficked for a sexual purpose, according to a news release prepared by YRP Const. James Dickson.
The suspect allegedly met the victim at a shopping centre two months prior and began communicating with her on social media, added Dickson. The suspect is accused of then luring the victim to his residence where he sexually and physically assaulted her. The suspect is accused of taking pornographic photos of the victim in order to advertise sexual services, and then trafficked her for this purpose.
Kishawn Jermaine Brooks, 34, from Vaughan faces several charges in connection with the investigation, including sexual assault, making child pornography, and material benefit from trafficking in persons under the age of 18 years. The charges have not been proven in court.
The full list of charges includes:
- Material benefit from trafficking in persons under the age of 18
- Sexual interference
- Sexual assault
- Make child pornography
- Possession of child pornography
- Procuring persons under the age of 18 Years
- Advertising sexual services
- Luring to facilitate - possession of child pornography
- Luring to facilitate - sexual interference
- Luring to facilitate - sexual assault
- Assault/choking
- Assault
- Uttering threats
Police have released a photo of Brooks because they believe there are additional victims, who they encourage to come forward, including for historical offences.
Dickson added that supports are available through York Region Victim Services, the Cedar Centre, at 17705 Leslie St., unit 12 Newmarket, or the Women’s Support Network.
Additional resources and information can also be found on YRP’s website.
Anyone with information is asked to call the YRP’s human trafficking unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6800 or by email at [email protected]. Anonymous tips can be made to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or online.
