Two Men Convicted in Human Trafficking Investigation

By Staff

October 19th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

Two men have received prison sentences after a Human Trafficking investigation in Halton.

On November 11, 2018, the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) responded to reports of a female being held against her will at hotel in the city of Burlington. The 22-year-old victim was located and a male, Karl Augustin (28), was arrested for human trafficking. The investigation revealed that a second male, Andrew St-Armand (24), was also involved in exploiting the victim and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

On December 5, 2018, St-Armand was arrested in Quebec and transferred to the custody of Halton Police.

HRPS Human Trafficking Unit investigators learned that between September and November of 2018, the victim was callously controlled, transferred, exploited and forced within the sex industry by two men. The exploitation occurred in the city of Burlington and nearby jurisdictions.

HRPS Human Trafficking Unit investigators learned that between September and November of 2018, the victim was callously controlled, transferred, exploited and forced within the sex industry by both men. The exploitation occurred in the city of Burlington and nearby jurisdictions. Both men were subsequently charged with several Human Trafficking offences.

On June 16, 2022, after a lengthy trial, a jury found Augustin guilty of human trafficking, procuring, advertising sexual services, receiving a material benefit from human trafficking, and receiving a material benefit from procuring.

St. Armand, was found guilty of human trafficking, procuring, and advertising sexual services.

On October 14, 2022, Augustin (now 32), and Armand (now 28) were sentenced in Superior court for their involvement.

Augustin received an 8-year custodial sentence while St. Armand was sentenced to 5 years.

HRPS Deputy Chief, Jeff Hill.

“These significant custodial sentences represent the dedication of the service in pursuing these predators and ensuring the safety of the community that we are entrusted to serve.  Human Trafficking is a heinous crime that transcends jurisdictions and we remain committed and thankful to our community and policing partners who assist us in the fight. I thank and am grateful for our members’ efforts in bringing this case to a successful conclusion” said HRPS Deputy Chief, Jeff Hill.

The Halton Regional Police Service firmly believes that every person has the right to feel safe in our community.

What seems to have been forgotten in this criminal case is that the abuse of these women took place in Burlington.  What is about the city that makes it a place where human traffickers can benefit from what these women are forced to do.

Victims of violence and/or sexual assault and witnesses are encouraged to contact the Halton Regional Police Service. The following is a list of valuable support services and resources in our region for victims of violence and/or sexual assault:

• Halton Regional Police Service Victim Services Unit 905-825-4777 ext. 5239 or by email at VictimServices@haltonpolice.ca
• Nina’s Place Sexual Assault and Domestic Assault Care Centre 905-336-4116 or 905-681-4880
• Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention Services (SAVIS) 905-875-1555 (24-hour crisis line)
• Radius Child & Youth Services 905-825-3242 (Oakville) or 1-855-744-9001
• Kid’s Help Phone 1-800-668-6868 (24-hour crisis line)
• THRIVE Counselling 905-845-3811 or 905-637-5256

Signs / Indicators of Human Trafficking

• Not being allowed to speak for themselves;
• Not having control of their own money or cellphone;
• Suddenly having a new or second cell phone with a secret number;
• Being controlled by others and escorted at all times;
• Not being allowed to contact family or friends;
• Withdrawing from family and friends;
• Providing rehearsed answers to casual questions;
• Being secretive about their activities;
• Showing signs of abuse, such as bruising, cigarette burns, fractures, etc.
• Having a new boyfriend, girlfriend or friend who they won’t introduce to friends/family; and
• Having new items (clothing, jewelry etc.) outside their financial means.

What Should I Do if I Think Someone is a Victim of Trafficking?

If there is immediate danger or if you suspect someone is being trafficked, call 9-1-1.

You may also call the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-900-1010.

The Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline is a confidential, multilingual service, operating 24/7 to connect victims and survivors with social services, law enforcement, and emergency services, as well as receive tips from the public. The hotline uses a victim-centered approach when connecting human trafficking victims and survivors with local emergency, transition, and/or long-term supports and services across the country, as well as connecting callers to law enforcement where appropriate.