Two men charged after allegedly forcing 27-year-old woman to work in sex trade

Windsor police cruiser at headquarters in Windsor, Ont., on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. (Melanie Kentner/CTV News Windsor)

Windsor police have charged two men with human trafficking after they allegedly forced a 27-year-old woman to work in sex trade.

On Nov. 3, members of the Windsor Police Human Trafficking Unit launched an investigation after the woman reported the incident. Police say the victim was reportedly sexually exploited over a three-day period before she managed to escape and contact police.

Following a coordinated investigation, Windsor police, in partnership with the Ontario Provincial Police-led Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement (ROPE) Squad, found and arrested the first suspect in Barrie on Dec. 2.

Later that day, the second suspect was taken into custody at a residence in the 400 block of Cameron Avenue in Windsor.

Chad Coupe, 23, and David James Deforest, 27, have each been charged with:

• Human trafficking

• Procuring a person to provide sexual services

• Financial/material benefit from trafficking a person

• Material benefit from sexual services

• Advertising another person’s sexual services

Coupe is also charged with uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Windsor Police Human Trafficking Unit at 519-255-6700, ext. 4830. To remain anonymous, contact Windsor & Essex County Crime Stoppers at 519-258-8477 (TIPS) or submit a tip online at www.catchcrooks.com.

If you or someone you know has been affected by human trafficking or requires support, please contact Victim Services of Windsor & Essex County at 519-723-2711 or the Windsor Police Victim Assistance Unit at 519-255-6700, ext. 4879.