Quebec man facing human trafficking charges in Ottawa

Ottawa police say Marc Jean-Pierre, of Pointe-aux-Trembles, Que., is facing several charges related to human trafficking in Ottawa. He is alleged to have used aliases such as "Mike" and "Marcus". (Ottawa Police Service/handout)

The Ottawa Police Service says a Montreal-area man is facing several serious charges in connection with a human trafficking investigation in the city.

Police say the investigation began June 6, when a woman was intentionally struck by a driver in the downtown core in the Laurier Avenue West area near Metcalfe Street.

Ottawa paramedics said at the time a woman was dragged a short distance and was treated for non-life-threatening injuries as a result of an incident in the area at around 4 a.m.

As a result of the investigation, Ottawa police say Marc Jean-Pierre, of Pointe-aux-Trembles, Que. is charged with aggravated assault, trafficking in persons by exercising control, material benefit resulting from trafficking in persons, material benefit from sexual services, advertising another person’s sexual services, procuring, assault by choking, suffocating or strangling, failure to stop after an accident, robbery, operation causing bodily harm, assault, and withholding or destroying a travel document.

“Investigators believe there may be other victims of human trafficking related to this investigation. In addition, police are seeking witnesses who may have information regarding the altercation and/or collision that occurred in the early morning hours of June 6 in the Laurier Avenue West area near Metcalfe Street,” Ottawa police said in a news release Monday.

Police say Jean-Pierre allegedly used aliases such as “Mike” and “Marcus.” Police released a photo of the accused because investigators believe there could be additional victims.

“The Human Trafficking Unit will respect victims’ wishes regarding whether to pursue criminal charges, and regardless, can offer resources to support survivors of human trafficking. Reporting these incidents by victims to police is key for investigators to identify suspects and determine crime trends,” police said.

Anyone with information regarding incidents involving this individual is asked to call the Ottawa Police Service Human Trafficking Unit tip line at 613-236-1222 ext. 5625 or email [e-mail].

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or crimestoppers.ca.