Assault call in Oshawa leads to arrests in human trafficking investigation

An assault call to Durham Police Sunday afternoon led to a human trafficking investigation and two arrests by Tuesday, with two people accused or forcing a woman to work in the sex trade now in custody.

The victim called police March 3 just after 4 p.m. and said she had been assaulted by a man and a woman. Durham Police’s Human Trafficking Investigation then launched an investigation and executed a search warrant two days later at a home near Gibb and Grenfell streets.

Nashon Simmons, 30, and Candice Jeans, 34 – both of Oshawa – were arrested and taken into custody without incident.  A large amount of cash and drugs were found in the residence and seized.

Police are concerned there may be more victims and are releasing photos of both accused. Anyone who has been victimized by the accused or has any information about this or similar incidents is asked to contact the Human Trafficking Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5600.

Simmons and Jeans are both charged with trafficking in persons, benefitting from sexual services, procuring and advertising sexual services, assault and possession of cocaine and fentanyl.

They were both held for a bail hearing.

A support network for survivors of human trafficking (www.stopht.com.) has been established and Durham and Victim Services of Durham Region (www.victimservicesdurham.ca.) is available for anyone that needs free, confidential support without judgement.

Anonymous information on this crime can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca. Tipsters may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward.