2 men face charges in separate human-trafficking, sex trade cases
York Regional Police announced two separate human trafficking-related arrests this week, stemming from ongoing investigations north of Toronto.
A 21-year-old man from Caledon has been arrested and charged with seven counts that include trafficking in persons, procuring to have illicit sexual intercourse, aggravated assault and uttering threats.
The charges against Justin Zealand are a result of an investigation started in October 2013. According to a news release, police were investigating "two suspected pimps," Lucas Gabrys and Zealand, after a victim came forward looking for help to get out of the sex trade.
In January 2014, police arrested and charged Gabrys but could not locate Zealand. On Monday, he was arrested.
This comes days after police arrested and charged 33-year-old Robert Colangelo, of King City, in a seemingly unrelated sex trade arrest. He was charged with procuring to have illicit sexual intercourse, procuring to become a prostitute and exercising control.
The police again were led to the suspect after an alleged victim contacted them looking for help to escape the sex trade.
In both investigations, police believe that the accused may be involved with other sex-trade workers whom detectives would like to speak to.
