In 2024, Detectives with the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) Human Trafficking Unit (HTU) began a historical investigation involving allegations of human trafficking in the Niagara Region, with offences occurring between 2008-2018. As a result of the investigation, a male delivery driver for a local company was identified as the suspect.
On Tuesday, November 18, 2025, with assistance from 1 District (St Catharines/Thorold) Uniform Officers, the HTU arrested and charged 56-year-old Stephen CARON of St. Catharines with the following criminal offences:
Trafficking in Persons Material Benefit Sexual Assault (4 counts) Assault with a Weapon Assault Uttering Threats
CARON remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse, located at 59 Church Street in St. Catharines.
Due to the nature of the investigation, detectives have reason to believe there are additional witnesses and are urging them to come forward. Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Niagara Regional Police Service at 905-688-4111, option 3, ext. 1009742.
Members of the community who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477(TIPS). Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to people who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.
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.
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 2024-101771