Dunmore man accused of human trafficking

By Jeremy Appel

Alberta Newspaper Group

A Dunmore man accused of human trafficking, theft and sexual assault had his first appearance in provincial court on Jan. 7.
Defence lawyer Clint Yarshenko appeared on behalf of his client, who faces charges of trafficking in persons, trafficking in persons under the age of 18, theft under $5,000, and sexual assault, as well as two counts each of forcible confinement and assault.
The events allegedly occurred between Nov. 29 and Dec. 12, 2018, in Cypress County and involve the accused stealing one complainant’s passport and refusing to let them and another leave, according to court documents.
The News is not naming the accused to protect the identities of the complainants.
The Criminal Code says trafficking in persons occurs when somebody “recruits, transports, transfers, receives, holds, conceals or harbours a person, or exercises control, direction or influence over the movements of a person, for the purpose of exploiting them or facilitating their exploitation.”
A defendant found guilty of human trafficking can face anywhere from four years to life in prison.
The accused was arrested by the Redcliff RCMP on Dec. 20.
His next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 14, when he is expected to enter a plea.