A man is facing a list of charges after allegedly using narcotics, violence and threats to keep a young woman working for him in the sex trade.
Police launched a human trafficking investigation after the alleged victim came forward to police on Aug. 7.
The 21-year-old woman told police that the suspect had convinced her to have sex for money.
According to police, the man made the woman provide sexual services and forced illegal narcotics on her in order to maintain control over her.
When she tried to avoid the drugs, the suspect allegedly threatened to inject her with them.
The woman told police that she did not want to work in the sex industry, however the suspect threatened and assaulted her.
The abuse took place at various locations around the GTA, police said.
The woman came forward to police about her situation after the suspect threatened members of her family in an effort to maintain control over her, police said.
On Aug. 15, police located the suspect. They executed a search warrant a short time later with the help of Peel Regional Police.
Police said Thursday that Matthew Maxwell, 26, of no fixed address, is facing a slew of charges. They include trafficking in persons by recruiting, material benefit from sexual services, assault, forcible confinement, choking overcome resistance, uttering threats of death or bodily harm, assault with a weapon or imitation weapon and failing to comply with recognizance.
Police have also released a photo of the suspect and said they believe there may be more victims. Police are encouraging any other possible victims to come forward.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Toronto Police Service Sex Crimes Human Trafficking Enforcement Team at 416-808-7474 or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477).
