In September of 2023 detectives from the Niagara Regional Police Service Human Trafficking Unit, began investigating a Thorold couple for human trafficking related offences throughout Niagara and the province of Ontario. The NRPS detectives’ investigation was assisted by the Barrie Police Human Trafficking Unit,
On October 4, 2023, detectives executed a search warrant at a home on Esther Crescent in Thorold. The NRPS Emergency Task Unit assisted with the warrant. Two suspects were arrested in the residence.
The search resulted in the seizure of evidence relating to the human trafficking investigation, as well as:
1040 grams of suspected fentanyl (Approx. $40,000 street value) $7015 in proceeds of crime Various drug trafficking paraphernalia
Shaquelle Fitzroy HAUGHTON (28 yrs.) of Thorold is charged with the criminal offences of:
Trafficking in Persons – Section 279.01(1) CC Material Benefit – Trafficking Person over 18 Section:279.02(1) CC Material Benefit from Sexual Services – Section:286.2(1) CC Procuring – Section 286.3(1) CC Advertising Another Person’s Sexual Services – Section 286.4 CC Possess a Schedule I Substance (Fentanyl) for the purpose of Trafficking – 5(2) CDSA Possession of proceeds of crime over $5000 – 355(b) CC Fail to Comply with Release Order – 145(3) CC (2 Counts)
Jade CHARLEY (28 yrs.) of Thorold is charged with the criminal offences of:
Trafficking in Persons – Section 279.01(1) CC Material Benefit – Trafficking Person over 18 Section:279.02(1) CC Material Benefit from Sexual Services – Section:286.2(1) CC Procuring – Section 286.3(1) CC Advertising Another Person’s Sexual Services – Section 286.4 CC Possess a Schedule I Substance (Fentanyl) for the purpose of Trafficking – 5(2) CDSA Possession of proceeds of crime over $5000 – 355(b) CC
HAUGHTON and CHARLEY were held in custody for a video bail hearing to the Robert S. K. Welch Courthouse in St. Catharines on October 4, 2023. They were both ordered held in custody. CHARLEY will reappear in court October 5, 2023, and HAUGHTON will reappear on October 6, 2023.
As a result of the ongoing investigation detectives have reason to suspect that there may be more victims. CHARLEY is known to frequent the cities of Brantford, Woodstock, Sarnia, Northern Ontario, the Greater Toronto Area as well as Winnipeg Manitoba. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the investigating officers by calling 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1009548.
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.
Click Here for Crime Stoppers Online
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