The investigation dubbed Project Magnolia lasted a year
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A man allegedly assaulted, choked and sexually assaulted to control sex trafficking victims, according to police.
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Dubbed Project Magnolia, a year-long probe started in May 2024 after Hamilton Police began an investigation into a human trafficking across Hamilton and elsewhere in Ontario. York Regional Police later joined the investigation.
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Trafficked victims were procured, including a victim under the age of 18, and the man advertised sexual services online. Police alleged that a man took proceeds from trafficked victims and in one case forced a victim to marry someone for financial gain.
Jamiel Smith, 34, of Mississauga, faces a slew of charges, including 12 trafficking or procuring related offences, four counts of advertising sexual service, two counts of assault, and sexual assault.
RETAIL ROBBERY
A masked bandit pointed a handgun at his victims while demanding cash during a robbery in the Dundas-Keele Sts. area, say police.
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The robber allegedly took a victim’s wallet and a quantity of cellphones on Nov. 6 around 5:40 p.m. before fleeing, according to Toronto Police.
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Members of the Hold Up Squad were able to identify the suspect. On Nov. 12, a search warrant was executed and a suspect was taken into custody.
Police alleged officers recovered a loaded handgun when making their arrest.
Yohan Germain Henry, 50, of Toronto, was charged with 10 firearm-related charges and one count of possession of property obtained by crime.
JEWELRY STORE ROBBERY
Hamilton Police are investigating a break-in at an Ancaster jewelry store after four suspects forced their way into the business early Monday.
Police said the robbers got into the Wilson St. store at about 3:40 a.m. by smashing an exterior glass door and prying open a metal door.
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Once inside, the bandits smashed several display cases and removed multiple items before fleeing the scene, according to the allegations. The full inventory of stolen merchandise is still being assessed.
Investigators are searching for suspects who wore dark clothing and are believed to be using a grey Dodge Caravan.
MAN CHARGED WITH INDECENT ACT
A 20-year-old man has been charged after an alleged indecent act involving a 10-year-old boy in Cabbagetown last week.
Toronto Police said officers responded to a call last Tuesday, near Sumach St. and Wellesley St. E. – east of Parliament St. – around 3:45 p.m. where it was reported that a boy was walking in the area when a man approached him on a scooter and committed an indecent act.
The boy and the man are not known to each other.
In a news release issued on Monday, police said Tyson Dante Tobias Macfarlane was arrested and charged with offences including five counts of committing an indecent act in public place and failing to appear in court.
Police are alleging that the accused man committed indecent acts against four other victims between May and November. Cops said one victim was a child under 13, two were young people under 18 and one was an adult.
Police urged anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5100.
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