The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has made an arrest and laid multiple charges following a six month human trafficking investigation.
In March, investigators with the HRPS Human Trafficking Unit began an investigation into allegations an adult female victim being exploited by the accused for financial gain, while the victim was being trafficked in the sex trade throughout the Greater Toronto Area.
On Monday, September 22th, the HRPS executed a criminal code search warrant at an Oakville residence where the accused was arrested and the following items seized:
- Polymer 80 Glock style pistol
- Prohibited magazine with multiple rounds of ammunition
- Approximately $7500.00 in cash
- Electronic and cellular devices
- Other items of evidentiary value
As a result of the investigation 41-year-old Thomas Jeffers, alias “Tommy”, of Oakville has been charged with the following:
- Procuring
- Receive Material Benefit from Sexual Services
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime – Over $5000
- Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
- Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
- Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose- Firearm
- Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose – Prohibited Device
- Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of a Weapon
- Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
Jeffers has been held in custody pending a bail hearing in Milton.
Investigators believe there may be additional victims. Anyone with information, or anyone who has been victimized by the accused is asked to contact Detective Scott Heyerman of the Human Trafficking Unit at 905-825-4747 ext. 4973.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
The Halton Regional Police Service has also provided the following information:
Victims of violence and/or sexual assault and witnesses are encouraged to contact the Halton Regional Police Service. The following is a list of valuable support services and resources in our region for victims of violence and/or sexual assault:
- Halton Regional Police Service Victim Services Unit 905-825-4777 ext. 5239 or by email at VictimServices@haltonpolice.ca
- Nina’s Place Sexual Assault and Domestic Assault Care Centre 905-336-4116 or 905-681-4880
- Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention Services (SAVIS) 905-875-1555 (24-hour crisis line)
- Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868 (24-hour crisis line)
- THRIVE Counselling 905-845-3811 or 905-637-5256
- ROCK (Reach Out Centre for Kids) 905-878-9785 (24-hour crisis line)
Signs / Indicators of Human Trafficking
- Not being allowed to speak for themselves;
- Not having control of their own money or cellphone;
- Suddenly having a new or second cell phone with a secret number;
- Being controlled by others and escorted at all times;
- Not being allowed to contact family or friends;
- Withdrawing from family and friends;
- Providing rehearsed answers to casual questions;
- Being secretive about their activities;
- Showing signs of abuse, such as bruising, cigarette burns, fractures, etc.
- Having a new boyfriend, girlfriend, or friend who they won’t introduce to friends/family; and
- Having new items (clothing, jewellery, etc.) outside their financial means.
What Should I Do If I Think Someone is a Victim of Trafficking?
If there is immediate danger or if you suspect someone is being trafficked, call 9-1-1.
You may also call the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-900-1010.
The Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline is a confidential, multilingual service, operating 24/7 to connect victims and survivors with social services, law enforcement, and emergency services, as well as receive tips from the public. The hotline uses a victim-centered approach when connecting human trafficking victims and survivors with local emergency, transition, and/or long-term supports and services across the country, as well as connecting callers to law enforcement, where appropriate.
