Markham man, 26, arrested in Niagara human trafficking investigation

A 26-year-old Markham man is facing a series of charges after Niagara Regional Police Service officers responded to a report of human trafficking at a Niagara Falls hotel today.

The investigation led to the arrest of two people and the identification of two victims, police said in a statement.

Lomar Brown, of Markham, is charged with:

• Trafficking in persons under 18
• Advertising the sexual services of another person
• Prosecutor under 18
• Financial benefit from trafficking a person under 18
• Material benefit from sexual services provided by a person under 18
• Possess criminal proceeds under $5,000.00
• Trafficking in persons by exercising control
• Purchases
• Sequestration

A 16-year-old girl from Wasaga Beach was arrested and charged with:

• Trafficking in persons by exercising control
• Purchases
• Sequestration

Both accused are being held pending a video bail hearing, which is scheduled to take place June 18 in St. Catharines.

Canada's Youth Criminal Justice Act prohibits the Niagara Region Police Service from disclosing the identities of the youths charged in this case.

The investigation continues as detectives suspect there may be additional victims or witnesses. Anyone who may have more information is asked to contact detectives by calling 905-688-4111, option 3, ext. 1009544.