Innisfil human trafficking case suspects appear in court
Several men accused of trafficking women at an Innisfil residence before being arrested by South Simcoe police late last year appeared in court on Thursday.
Among them is Oneil Hopkinson, a 38-year-old with ties to Newmarket and Brampton whom police say turned himself in last fall. Along with being accused of advertising sexual services and benefitting from sexual services, Hopkinson is also charged with sexual assault.
On Thursday, his coaccused Tyrone Dias also appeared from the jail in Penetanguishene. This comes about a week after police announced that Dias’ sister was arrested and charged with obstruction of justice for allegedly trying to interfere in the case against her brother, who was denied bail.
South Simcoe police say Samantha Davenport tried to pay an alleged victim in the case to act as a surety for Dias to get him out of custody.
Hung Lam, Joseph Carvalho and Edgar Martinez were represented in virtual court in Bradford on Thursday.
They were each granted bail after being charged with several sex and drug trafficking counts, including procuring, advertising, and materially benefitting from sexual services.
Royden Reis of Barrie was also charged in the Project Chameleon bust with four counts of drug possession for trafficking a controlled substance.
Jashyna Singh of Brampton remains behind bars, charged with trafficking the women for sex along with drugs. Singh is scheduled to be back in court on Friday.
Defence lawyers for the accused are trying to reach an agreement regarding the evidence investigators have concerning their clients.
Police said two residences were searched in November, alleging they seized $30,000 worth of drugs. Investigators also confirmed three women were safely removed from the home.
Lam, Carvalho and Martinez are scheduled to return to court in May; their coaccused next week.
The allegations against all of the accused mentioned have not been tested in court.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Conservatives, NDP should be 'celebrating' EV deals: industry minister
Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne says federal opposition parties should be 'celebrating' the recently announced electric vehicle deals, despite their criticisms the Liberals refuse to make public the terms and conditions laid out in the contracts.
$500K-worth of elvers seized at Toronto airport
Fishery and border service officers seized more than 100 kilograms of unauthorized elvers at the Toronto Pearson International Airport on Wednesday.
Banking mogul suing government after intelligence leaks leave him shut out of Canadian economy
Chinese Canadian banking mogul Shenglin Xian has launched a $300 million lawsuit against the federal government. It’s a means to find the source of intelligence leaks which Xian says has cost him his livelihood.
His SUV was stolen on Montreal's South Shore. Then he got a $156 parking ticket
A couple is frustrated after their SUV was stolen from Montreal's South Shore in March and they received a parking ticket for the same vehicle last week.
Box tree moths have infested Ontario and experts say more are coming. Here's what to do to protect your garden
An invasive moth species is on the rise in Canada and, if you've planted a certain shrub, it could stand to ruin your garden.
Woman with liver failure rejected for a transplant after medical review highlights alcohol use
For nearly three months, Amanda Huska has been in an Ontario hospital, part of it on life support, because of severe liver failure. Her history of alcohol use is getting in the way of her only potential treatment: a liver transplant.
To plant or not to plant? Gardening tips for May long weekend
May long weekend is finally here, and with the extra time off you may be getting the itch to head out to your garden and plant. However, the old debate whether you should plant now, or wait, is still ever-present.
Evacuation orders lifted in Fort McMurray Saturday as rain dampens wildfire activity
Residents of Fort of McMurray who were displaced over wildfire concerns were told to return home Saturday.
Jesus is their saviour, Trump is their candidate. Ex-president's backers say he shares faith, values
As Donald Trump increasingly infuses his campaign with Christian trappings while coasting to a third Republican presidential nomination, his support is as strong as ever among evangelicals and other conservative Christians.