Police make second arrest in 2014 human trafficking investigation

A second arrest has been made in an ongoing police investigation.

Omar Dewdney, 29, of Toronto was arrested on Sept. 4. He faces 28 charges, including trafficking a person under the age of 18, forcible confinement, living off the avails of prostitution, unauthorized possession of firearms, as well as possession of drugs and counterfeit money. Dewdney appeared at Old City Hall court on Sept. 5.

The investigation began in October of last year in the Keele Street and Denbigh Crescent. area, just south of Sheppard Avenue west. According to investigators, a woman and a girl, 18 and 16, were forced into the sex trade by two suspects. The men allegedly posted advertisements online of the victims in various states of undress.

Police also allege the victims were forced to turn over the money they made from providing sexual services.

When the two men got into a dispute with the victims, they pulled out a gun and uttered threats to kill them.

Soloman Houlder, 20, and Omar Dewdney, 28 – photo via Toronto Police Service.

The woman and the girl called 911 following the dispute. Police officers from 31 division responded to the call.

A second suspect surrendered to police in Oct. 16, 2014. Solomon Houlder, 20, of Toronto has been charged with 24 offences.

Officers searched two apartments and a vehicle associated with Dewdney and Houlder. They recovered two firearms, ammunition, large quantities of marijuana and cocaine, as well as counterfeit American money.

Police believe there may be other victims and are urging them to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7474, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or online at www.222tips.com

About this article

By: Ryan Chatterjee
Posted: Sep 14 2015 11:27 am
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