Charges stayed against former Barrie man accused of human trafficking
Accused human trafficker Kevin Kielty has taken a guilty plea in a Barrie courtroom on Tuesday, admitting to illegally employing four foreign nationals from Mexico between 2017 and 2019 under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
"Mr. Kielty continues to deny any allegation of mistreatment of those people," said Carson Hurley, Kielty's lawyer.
Kielty's plea deal is a victory for the defence, with all criminal charges, including human trafficking, against the former Barrie man and his wife, Patricia Zuniga-Rojas, being stayed.
Zuniga-Rojas' lawyer, Peter Thorning, said she never should have been charged. "And had there been a trial, there's no doubt she would've been acquitted," he said outside the Barrie courthouse.
Kielty, Zuniga-Rojas and her two daughters, Ashley and Patty Camacho Zuniga, initially faced 27 charges each, including the alleged human labour trafficking of 48 Mexican nationals who claimed in 2019 that they were tricked into working for a cleaning company that used them as cheap labour at local resorts and hotels.
Patricia Zuniga-Rojas, Kevin Kielty, Pattie Camacho Zuniga, and Ashley Camacho outside the courthouse in Barrie, Ont., on Aug. 28, 2023. (CTV News/Mike Arsalides)
In 2019, CTV News reported that when Canada Border Services, the OPP and Barrie police announced the bust, some of the workers claimed they were paid $50 a month and lived in terrible conditions in Barrie and Wasaga Beach.
Police referred to the workers from Mexico as "modern-day slaves" who were lured to Canada with promises of educational opportunities and good-paying jobs.
The four counts Kielty pleaded guilty to on Tuesday carried a maximum sentence of two years imprisonment.
He was ordered to serve a conditional sentence of 18 months, which includes house arrest following a joint submission by the Crown and the defence.
- Download the CTV News app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates sent to your email inbox
Kielty pleading guilty to the regulatory charges means his wife and her daughters - who faced the prospect of deportation had Zuniga-Rojas been convicted- can remain in Canada.
Charges against Zuniga-Rojas' daughters were dropped before the trial dates were set.
The court heard Kielty ran RTL Services, a cleaning company with an office in Barrie, out of which police said illegal workers were supplied to clean local hotels and resorts in Collingwood and the Blue Mountains.
The defence told the court Kielty was very remorseful for his actions.
"It's certainly a relief to have it resolved today. But they've been suffering for a long time, and they're happy to be putting it all behind them," said Hurley.
Kielty was also ordered to pay the four foreign workers more than $14,000 that was owed to them as part of his sentence.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Tanks reach Rafah's centre as Israel presses assault despite global scrutiny
Israeli tanks reached the centre of Rafah for the first time on Tuesday, witnesses said, three weeks into a ground operation in the southern Gaza city that has sparked global condemnation.
More Canadians only making minimum payment on credit cards: TransUnion
Some Canadians are seeing their credit card balances grow as the cost-of-living crisis and higher interest rates eat into household budgets, a new report shows.
Tornado touches down west of the Island of Montreal
Emergency services in the town of Rigaud, Que. are investigating after a tornado touched down shortly after 5:30 p.m. on Friday.
Mexican government says the arm of a 19th century mummy came off after mishandling by museum staff
Mexico's federal archaeology agency on Monday accused the conservative-governed city of Guanajuato of mistreating one of the country’s famous mummified 19th century bodies.
What a CBSA strike could look like, according to an expert
Slowed or interrupted travel, the passing of goods and significantly restricted borders should be expected if Canadian border workers take upcoming strike action.
Teen was doing homework at family's Mississauga, Ont. restaurant when gunman opened fire: testimony
The 13-year-old sister of a young man killed in the attack on her family’s Mississauga restaurant in 2021 took the stand in a Brampton courthouse on Monday to describe the terrifying moments of coming under fire.
B.C. senior prepares to move due to devastating effects of fraud
A Courtenay, B.C., senior is downsizing and packing to move as she comes to accept she can no longer afford to stay in her home, after falling victim to a scam that robbed her of her life savings worth more than $100,000.
MPs to decide on Speaker Fergus' invite flub as Conservatives advance effort to oust him
The federal Conservatives have advanced a motion that will force MPs to vote on whether to oust Greg Fergus as House of Commons Speaker, after MPs' deputy adjudicator ruled Monday that the Liberal member's allegedly errant partisan event invite required urgent attention.
WATCH
WATCH Alta. man rescues wild foal trapped on steep cliffside
A man's daring rescue of a newborn wild foal that was trapped after falling down a steep embankment was caught on video over the weekend.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
Kitchener
-
Kitchener, Ont. woman with incurable cancer pushing province to cover rare cancer drug
A rare cancer treatment could potentially extend the life of an Ontario woman. The problem is, the province won’t approve the pricey drug.
-
Dog found starved, covered in human waste, at Guelph Lake
A Chihuahua is recovering after she was found abandoned in the holding tank of a public washroom at Guelph Lake.
-
Another jewelry store robbery at Kitchener mall
Fairview Park Mall has once again been targeted by thieves. Police say four males, armed with hammers, robbed an unnamed store on Monday.
London
-
Teen cyclist charged for riding on Highway 401
A youth cyclist from Southwest Middlesex in facing multiple charges after riding a bicycle on Highway 401.
-
September launch doubtful as London Transit describes hurdles to high school free bus pass pilot project
On Monday, a report was released by administration of London Transit detailing several concerns about launching a free bus pass pilot project for students at Clarke Road Secondary School this September.
-
PLAYOFF TRACKER
PLAYOFF TRACKER 'It’s going to be a battle': Undefeated Knights and Spirit sets up epic matchup Wednesday at Memorial Cup
The London Knights withheld an early onslaught from a desperate Moose Jaw team to beat the Warriors 5-4 and stay unbeaten at the Memorial Cup in Saginaw, MI.
Windsor
-
Arrest made in stabbing of teen boy
A 19 year old has been charged with aggravated assault and assault with a weapon after a 16-year-old boy was stabbed multiple times following a verbal dispute on Saturday night.
-
Dave Cassidy hired by provincial government as advisor to labour minister
Dave Cassidy has a new role, and it's with the provincial government. Cassidy, former President of Unifor Local 444, has been hired as a Skilled Trades Special Advisor (STSA) to the Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.
-
Media successfully argues against publication ban on Windsor murder trial of Toronto man
The media has successfully argued against a publication ban on the Windsor murder trial of a Toronto man.
Northern Ontario
-
Coroner's inquest begins in death of Indigenous man shot by northern Ont. police
Three northern Ont. police officers who shot and killed an Indigenous man four years ago were cleared of wrongdoing and now a coroner's inquest is underway to prevent similar incidents in the future.
-
WATCH
WATCH Video shows head-on collision avoided on Highway 17 in northern Ont.
A commercial driver is facing a list of charges after video surfaces of a scary near miss involving an off-duty officer and a truck full of cattle in northern Ontario last month, police say.
-
'Decades-long fight': MPs unanimously pass 'anti-scab' legislation
A bill that would ban federal employers from using replacement workers or 'scabs' during lockouts or strikes passed the House of Commons unanimously on Monday.
Sault Ste. Marie
-
Northern Ontario Large Urban Mayors meet in the Sault
Immigration is spurring growth across the north and Monday’s meeting of Northern Ontario Large Urban Mayors discussed some of the related benefits and challenges.
-
Canadian politicians appear to be facing increased harassment, intimidation
Incidents of harassment and intimidation targeting politicians appears to be on the rise.
-
Two active wildfires remain in northeastern Ontario
As of Monday, there were still two active wildfires in northeastern Ontario with no new fires confirmed in the region over the weekend.
Ottawa
-
NEW THIS MORNINGNEW THIS MORNING Jason Isbell, Greta Van Fleet, Rise Against to headline 2024 CityFolk lineup
Organizers of the 2024 CityFolk festival have announced this year's lineup. Headline acts include Greta Van Fleet, Rise Against, Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit, The Beaches, and Milky Chance.
-
Province nixes Ottawa paramedic plan to use taxis for some calls
Ottawa paramedics will not be calling on taxis to help transport some non-urgent patients, as the service had initially planned.
-
Tornado touches down west of the Island of Montreal
Emergency services in the town of Rigaud, Que. are investigating after a tornado touched down shortly after 5:30 p.m. on Friday.
Toronto
-
Five of Ontario's top 10 worst roads are located in the Toronto area
A new pothole-riddled street in Hamilton has taken the top spot for the worst road in Ontario, according to a new list released by the Canadian Automotive Association (CAA) on Tuesday.
-
At least 60 reports of Lyme disease so far as Ontario enters tick season
Peak tick season is only just beginning but reports of bites – and tick-borne illnesses – are already higher than normal in Ontario.
-
Teen was doing homework at family's Mississauga, Ont. restaurant when gunman opened fire: testimony
The 13-year-old sister of a young man killed in the attack on her family’s Mississauga restaurant in 2021 took the stand in a Brampton courthouse on Monday to describe the terrifying moments of coming under fire.
Montreal
-
Tornado touches down west of the Island of Montreal
Emergency services in the town of Rigaud, Que. are investigating after a tornado touched down shortly after 5:30 p.m. on Friday.
-
Cutout of Netanyahu hanged from McGill University's Roddick Gates
A hanging image of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was allegedly on display for 'several hours' outside McGill University.
-
Fire ignited at restaurant in Brossard's Quartier DIX30
A fire was ignited at a restaurant in Brossard's Quartier DIX30.
Atlantic
-
'I am incensed': Specialist, advocate vent frustration over N.B. premier’s post
It’s been three days since New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs lashed out at a sexual health awareness presentation done by Teresa Norris and she’s still upset about it.
-
Retail Council of Canada looks to reduce shoplifting, violence at stores
Canadian businesses and police services are working together to cut down on retail theft and violence.
-
What a CBSA strike could look like, according to an expert
Slowed or interrupted travel, the passing of goods and significantly restricted borders should be expected if Canadian border workers take upcoming strike action.
Winnipeg
-
'It certainly has ramped up': Community centres throughout Winnipeg dealing with uptick in break-ins
Community centres in Winnipeg are ringing alarm bells over what they say is an increase in break-ins.
-
Manitoba parent sued over 'defamatory' Facebook comments
A Manitoba school division is saying comments made by a parent that were posted on social media are defamatory and untrue in a recently filed lawsuit.
-
'An increase that we've noticed': Collisions between vehicles and pedestrians on the rise in Winnipeg
Three pedestrians have been hit by vehicles in Winnipeg in as many weeks, and according to the Winnipeg Police Service, these types of incidents are on the rise.
Calgary
-
WATCHWATCH Alta. man rescues wild foal trapped on steep cliffside
A man's daring rescue of a newborn wild foal that was trapped after falling down a steep embankment was caught on video over the weekend.
-
Alberta using controversial report to rally against proposed oil and gas emissions cap
Alberta’s government is using a controversial report forecasting a decline in oil and gas production in Canada to rally against the federal government’s proposed greenhouse gas emissions caps.
-
Alleged Calgary drug house shut down by Alberta sheriffs
Alberta sheriffs have closed a problem property in Calgary, saying officers were frequently called to the Beddington Heights home because of drug activity.
Edmonton
-
Stars roar back to win Game 3 over Oilers
Jason Robertson's hat-trick goal midway through the third period broke a deadlock and proved to be the eventual winner as the Dallas Stars beat the host Edmonton Oilers 5-3 in Game 3 of the Western Conference Final to take a 2-1 series lead.
-
Stars DJ apologizes for playing La Bamba after Game 2 win over Oilers
The Dallas Stars DJ has apologized for playing La Bamba after the Game 2 win over the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday.
-
'It's going directly to a child': Blood and plasma donations needed for young boy's livelihood
With National Blood Donor week coming up, parents of children who receive blood transfusions and products are thanking donors for their contributions.
Regina
-
'The information that he had': Moe says he believes former house leader didn't remember bringing gun into legislative building
Former Government House Leader Jeremy Harrison has apologized for what he calls a "terrible mistake" after it became known that he brought a firearm into the legislature approximately a decade ago.
-
Controversial residential high-rise development before city planning commission
A proposed residential high-rise apartment in the Douglas Park neighbourhood is in front of the City of Regina Planning Commission.
-
Four charged following robbery at Victoria Avenue hotel
The Regina Police Service (RPS) has charged four individuals after a robbery took place at a hotel on the 800 block of Victoria Avenue.
Saskatoon
-
'The information that he had': Moe says he believes former house leader didn't remember bringing gun into legislative building
Former Government House Leader Jeremy Harrison has apologized for what he calls a "terrible mistake" after it became known that he brought a firearm into the legislature approximately a decade ago.
-
'We feel neglected': Cumberland House calls on government officials to see the road for themselves
Residents of a remote village in Northern Saskatchewan are calling on government officials to visit their community and see their road conditions first hand.
-
Métis Nation – Sask. creates new treaty document for self-governance
Métis Nation – Saskatchewan (MN–S) has launched a new treaty document that will set the stage for self-governance.
Vancouver
-
Trial for B.C. man accused of killing, dismembering wife begins
The trial for a Langley man accused of killing his wife began Monday, with the prosecutor laying out a disturbing series of facts agreed upon by both Crown and defence.
-
One dead after Surrey car crash
First responders are at the scene of a fatal car crash in Surrey Monday evening.
-
'A tight situation right now': B.C. gets D+ on Food Banks Canada's poverty report card
Peng-Sealin Penny is a senior on a pension and finds herself once a month coming to the Mustard Seed Food Bank in downtown Victoria for groceries. She's one of the many who rely on the non-profit to make ends meet.
Vancouver Island
-
B.C. senior prepares to move due to devastating effects of fraud
A Courtenay, B.C., senior is downsizing and packing to move as she comes to accept she can no longer afford to stay in her home, after falling victim to a scam that robbed her of her life savings worth more than $100,000.
-
'A tight situation right now': B.C. gets D+ on Food Banks Canada's poverty report card
Peng-Sealin Penny is a senior on a pension and finds herself once a month coming to the Mustard Seed Food Bank in downtown Victoria for groceries. She's one of the many who rely on the non-profit to make ends meet.
-
B.C. universities focus on talks with encamped protesters as others take legal action
Some Canadian universities are taking legal action to end pro-Palestinian encampments on their campuses, but three schools in British Columbia are taking less confrontational approaches.
