Months-long human trafficking investigation leads to arrest

Dale Richard Aymont, 43, was originally charged in November. (Photo from Facebook)

The same day Canada passed a new prostitution law to crack down on johns, a human trafficking investigation has led to charges against a 43-year-old Winnipeg man.

Police say the suspect and a 25-year-old woman met in Winnipeg and travelled together to Brandon earlier this year. From March until mid-October, the woman was forced to work as an escort, police said.

The woman was threatened with violence if she didn’t perform sexual services and at one point was physically assaulted, police said.

The Winnipeg Police Service counter exploitation unit launched an investigation into the case in the summer of 2014. Police arrested Dale Richard Aymont on Nov. 6 in downtown Winnipeg.

Aymont faces numerous charges involving trafficking in persons, prostitution, assault and uttering threats.

“Winnipeg police has adopted a victim-first approach, understanding that these women are out there, they're being exploited,” said Const. Eric Hofley. “There's no history for this victim and I don't think it was apparent to her at the time this was going to transpire, and once there, was caught up in it.”

Dianna Bussey works with people transitioning from prostitution and understands how a vulnerable person can get trapped.

“The trafficker, whether it be the pimp or something else, (says) ‘I can give this better life to you, so come with me,’” she said.

She says exploiters can seem like a trusted friend of the victim at first.

Aymont was hired as an HR consultant through Emex, an employment agency, working on contract at Bell Media in Winnipeg for two and a half weeks.  He was vetted and referred to Bell Media through the agency.

He also worked for Southeast Child and Family Services. The agency says he was let go for taking employee information.

Aymont's social media presence shows a large community involvement. His Linkedin account lists him as a football coach at Murdoch Mackay Collegiate. The River-East Transcona School Division says he hadn't been listed as a coach since 2010.

Aymont's blog includes a post about the "oldest profession in the world" asking, "Can the modern sex trade and modern morality co-exist?"

MP Joy Smith, who pressed for the new prostitution law, says it provides protection for sex-trade victims.

“Behind her are hundreds more who will be hearing this story, and they'll be calling the police,” said Smith.

She says it also means tougher punishment for those who exploit others.

- With a report by Alesia Fieldberg