Man charged with trafficking, sexually assaulting girl in Vaughan, police say

A 34-year-old man is facing several charges after a girl was allegedly sexually assaulted and trafficked in Vaughan, York Regional Police say.

In a news release on Monday, police said they went to a home in the area of Steeles Avenue and Bathurst Street for a check welfare call on Boxing Day at about 2:50 p.m. When they arrived, they learned that the girl had been held against her will, sexually assaulted and was being trafficked for a sexual purpose.

Police said the man met the girl at a shopping centre two months earlier and began to talk to her on social media. He allegedly lured the girl to his home, where she was sexually and physically assaulted. The man allegedly took pornographic photos of her to advertise sexual services and then allegedly trafficked her.

Police said they believe there are additional victims.

Charges laid against the man, after an investigation, include trafficking in persons under the age of 18 years, sexual interference, sexual assault, making child pornography, possession of child pornography, procuring persons under the age of 18 years, advertising sexual services, luring, assault and uttering threats.

"A sexual assault includes any non-consensual contact of a sexual nature," police said in the release.

Police said they encourage victims to report incidents of sexual assault, including historical crimes, because there is no statute of limitations for sexual offences.

"Offenders can be prosecuted well after the date of the offence," police said.

If someone is not ready to report, a person could contact York Region Victim Services  the Cedar Centre, or the Women's Support Network.