Brampton man arrested, accused of sex trafficking a teenage girl

A Brampton man faces a long skein of charges in relation to a human trafficking investigation involving a victim under 18 years old, the Peel police says.

In a statement on Tuesday, Peel Regional Police said that officers opened an investigation on Sept. 29, examining allegations that a girl under the age of 18 had been exploited in the sex trade within the Greater Toronto Area. Over the course of three years, the suspect exercised control over all aspects of the victim’s life and profited as a result.

Nicholas Mazzone, a 23-year-old man from Brampton was arrested on Nov. 4. as held for a bail hearing, and appeared in a Brampton court on Nov. 8 to answer to the following charges:

• Human trafficking in persons under the age of 18
• Receiving benefit resulting from trafficking in persons under the age of 18
• Exercising control in a person under the age of 18
• Material benefit from sexual services provided by persons under 18 years
• Assault
• Uttering death threats
• Pointing a firearm
• Possession of a controlled substance (five counts)
• Possession for the purpose of trafficking (five counts)

“Human trafficking is a predatory crime, which targets vulnerable portions of our community,” Deputy Chief of Investigative Services Nick Milinovich stated. “Our (Peel police) service is committed to doing everything we can, to ensure the safety of survivors and bring suspects before the courts.”

Investigators believe there may be more human trafficking victims and/or witnesses to this incident, and are urging anyone with information to contact them at 905-453-2121, ext. 3555.

Information may also be left anonymously by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or by visiting peelcrimestoppers.ca.

(Cover photo courtesy of Peel Regional Police.)