Online ads leads to human trafficking arrest of Brampton man

A human trafficking investigation involving a 16-year-old girl by Durham Police has led to the arrest of a Brampton man.

Human Trafficking Unit officers with Durham Police, with the assistance of the East Division Criminal Investigations Branch, began an investigation February 23 into an online advertisement for sexual services provided by what was determined to be a 16-year-old staying at a residence in Brampton.

The girl was brought to a place of safety without incident.

On Thursday officers visited the same residence in Brampton and observed the suspect leaving the residence in his vehicle.  Police initiated a traffic stop and took the man into custody.

Dane Gifford, 34, is charged with procuring/exercising control of a person under 18 and advertising another person’s sexual services. He was released on an Undertaking.

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

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.

Anonymous information 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.