Three charged with violent sexual assault, human trafficking offences

Edmonton… One person has been arrested and warrants have been issued for two suspects following an extensive human trafficking and sexual assault investigation undertaken by ALERT and Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM).

ALERT Edmonton’s Human Trafficking and Exploitation unit alleges the three suspects were involved in human trafficking in the Edmonton area, and in one instance violently assaulted a sex trade worker.

Kevin Dorcelus Cetoute, 27, was arrested on February 16, 2021, and Canada-wide arrest warrants have been issued for Andrew Elien Abbot, 26, and Jonty Jean, 21. The suspects are believed to be in the Edmonton area but also have extensive ties to Quebec.

“Presently we are aware of one survivor, who displayed remarkable courage in providing information to police. We owe it to her safety and well-being to have these suspects in custody and prevent any other women from suffering the same,” said Staff Sgt. Lance Parker, ALERT Human Trafficking unit.

ALERT believes there may be additional victims and is encouraging others to come forward and contact police. Anyone with information about this investigation, or any human trafficking offence is encouraged to contact local police or Crime Stoppers.

As part of the investigation, two Edmonton homes were searched with the help of the Edmonton Police Service. ALERT seized more than $70,000 cash and a small amount of drugs. ALERT’s investigation began in September 2020.

Dorcelus Cetoute was charged with:

• Trafficking in a person;
• Sexual assault while using a firearm;
• Gang sexual assault;
• Firearm use while committing an offence;
• Procuring;
• Forcible confinement;
• Assault;
• Assault with a weapon;
• Possession of drugs; and
• Possession of property obtained by crime.

Elien Abbot is facing charges of:

• Trafficking in a person;
• Sexual assault while using a firearm;
• Gang sexual assault;
• Use of an imitation firearm while attempting to commit an offence;
• Assault causing bodily harm;
• Procuring; and
• Forcible confinement.

Jean is facing charges of:

• Trafficking in a person;
• Sexual assault while using a firearm;
• Gang sexual assault;
• Use of an imitation firearm while attempting to commit an offence;
• Procuring;
• Forcible confinement; and
• Theft.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Elien-Abbot or Jean is encouraged to contact local police or Crime Stoppers. The suspects are likely armed and should not be approached.

ALERT’s Human Trafficking and Exploitation unit investigates domestic human trafficking involving sexual and labour exploitation occurring in Alberta. The integrated unit also works in collaboration with national, provincial and municipal agencies, and non-governmental organizations, involved in rescuing and supporting survivors of human trafficking and sexual exploitation.