Human trafficking charges laid against Halifax woman

A 40-year-old woman faces human trafficking charges for allegedly procuring an underage girl for prostitution, according to Halifax Regional Police. 

The RCMP and Halifax police's integrated vice unit say they began investigating the woman on Wednesday and searched a residence on the 2400 block of Brunswick Street that night. 

They arrested Corena Charmaine Hiles and seized computer equipment.

Hiles made a brief court appearance on Thursday and was charged with one charge of trafficking a person under the age of 18 and one charge of benefiting materially from the results of trafficking.

She also faces charges for living off the avails of prostitution and procuring someone into underage prostitution.

A human trafficking conviction carries a penalty of five years to life in prison.

“To lay such a charge there needs to be a threat or exploitation of a person into prostitution,” said Const. Pierre Bourdages.

The Crown calls the case disturbing.

“Anytime there are allegations of young victims being procured for sexual prostitution it’s considered very serious by our courts,” said prosecutor Carla Ball.

Police wouldn’t say much about the alleged victim, only that she's in a safe place.

They say Hiles has no previous charges in Halifax.

Two women were in court for Hiles's appearance. One of them shouted “I love you Mom” as she was led away.

Her next court appearance is on Monday.