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Edmonton… Specialized human trafficking units from Alberta and Nova Scotia have collaborated on an investigation where a Nova Scotia woman was allegedly being forced to work in the sex trade.
ALERT’s Human Trafficking and Exploitation unit and Nova Scotia’s Provincial Human Trafficking unit (HTU) allege the victim was being procured for sex by a man wo was known to her. The alleged offences took place in the Edmonton area in November/December 2019.
The survivor has been offered support and specialized care resources.
William Meuse was arrested at a home in the community of Bear River in Digby County, Nova Scotia on April 6, 2021. The 31-year-old man was remanded in custody and is currently being transported to Edmonton by Alberta Sheriffs to appear in an Alberta court.
“This investigation highlights inter-agency cooperation across Canada and the ability of investigators to complete these types of investigations no matter where the crime occurs. Our investigators are dedicated to working with survivors and supporting them throughout the investigative process.” says Sgt. Derrick Blanche of the Nova Scotia Provincial Human Trafficking Unit.
“This is such a dehumanizing offence and it took tremendous courage for the victim to come forward. We owe it to her to pursue justice, and as this case demonstrates, we are prepared to go to great lengths to do so,” said Acting Staff Sergeant Chris Hayes, ALERT Human Trafficking.
The investigation began in June 2020 after the victim contacted the Nova Scotia RCMP and the Provincial Human Trafficking unit.
Meuse has been charged with:
Survivors of sex trafficking can call 211 for help.
If you suspect that you are or have been trafficked, believe you know someone who is being trafficked or have information related to this investigation, please contact ALERT, the Nova Scotia Provincial Human Trafficking Unit at 902-449-2425 or your local police. You may also choose to contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-900-1010, which is a nation-wide hotline. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers toll free at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.canadiancrimestoppers.org/tips, or use the P3 Tips App.
Nova Scotia’s Provincial Human Trafficking unit is an integrated team comprised of RCMP and Halifax Regional Police.
The work we do is about our communities, and that’s why we recognize that residents can be instrumental in tackling serious crime. If you or someone you know has been the victim of a crime, or you suspect criminal activity, please reach out. Your information will remain strictly confidential.
Thank you for helping to make Alberta safer by being actively involved and reporting suspicious activity.
