Third arrest made in Toronto human trafficking investigation involving teenage victims

A photo released with the Toronto Police Service's press release. (Credit: Toronto Police Service)

Toronto police say a third person has been arrested in connection with a human trafficking investigation involving two underage victims.

In an updated news release, investigators say they began the probe in June and previously announced charges against a man and a woman who were accused of trafficking a 14-year-old and a 17-year-old girl through deception, coercion, and control.

• READ MORE: Toronto police arrest 2 people in human trafficking investigation

Police say the accused created online ads for sexual services, transported the victims to hotels, and kept the money they earned.

On Sept. 18, officers executed three search warrants at two locations and a vehicle.

As a result, 19-year-old Dejaun Clarke, of Toronto, was arrested. He faces multiple charges including human trafficking, firearm offences, child pornography offences, drug trafficking, sexual assault, and sexual interference with a person under 16.

Police previously charged Tyrique Harmer, 22, of Hamilton, and Maria Toth-Taddeo, 21, of Toronto, in August in connection with the same investigation.

Officials say they believe there may be more victims and are urging anyone with additional information to come forward and contact police