In August 2025, the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) Human Trafficking Unit (HTU) initiated a human trafficking investigation. The investigation focused on the alleged trafficking of a female under the age of 18 which occurred within the Greater Toronto Area and Niagara Region.
As a result of the HTU led investigation, and with support from NRPS 2 District (Niagara Falls/Niagara-on-the-Lake) Uniform members and 2 District Street Crime Unit, two suspects were identified and subsequently arrested.
On October 15, 2025, 43-year-old Christopher ST LOUIS of Niagara Falls was arrested and charged with the following criminal offence:
Procuring – Persons Under 18 years of age
On October 16, 2025, 18-year-old Samantha RIZZARDO of Niagara Falls was arrested and charged with the following criminal offences:
Trafficking in Persons under 18 years of age Procuring – Persons under 18 years of age Advertise Sexual Services Distribution of Child Pornography Material Benefit – Trafficking of Persons under 18 years of age Material Benefit from Sexual Services Provided by Person under 18 years of age Possession of Child Pornography
Both ST LOUIS and RIZZARDO are being held in custody pending a bail hearing, which is expected to take place October 16, 2025, at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse in the City of St Catharines.
Due to the nature of the investigation, detectives have reason to believe there are additional victims and survivors. Detectives are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Anyone who may have information related to this investigation is asked to contact detectives by calling 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1009736.
The NRPS Human Trafficking Unit also recognizes the ongoing assistance of Victim Services Niagara and other members of the Anti-Human Trafficking Response Protocol of the Niagara Region.
Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.
Survivors of Human Trafficking are encouraged to contact the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline by calling 1-833-900-1010 or on the internet CLICK HERE. This is a 24/7 confidential support resource available in over 200 languages.
For more information about community support options for survivors of Human Trafficking and the Niagara Regional Police Service’s efforts to combat Human Trafficking CLICK HERE
NRPS Incident #25-98243 and #25-120540