OTTAWA – The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) Human Trafficking Unit has charged an Ottawa resident with various human trafficking charges following an investigation.

“A survivor in this matter was identified to the Human Trafficking Unit in the fall of 2019 and an investigation was commenced,” the OPS released in a statement. “On Feb. 5, the wanted male was located in Windsor. The Windsor Police Morality Unit arrested the male without incident. Human Trafficking investigators worked collaboratively with the Windsor Police to locate, arrest and transport the accused back to Ottawa.”

Rahiem Geddes, 23-years-old of Ottawa, is charged with:

• Procuring person under the age 18 years
• Permit person under the age of 18 years on premise for prohibited sexual activity
• Proceeds of Crime over $5,000
• Material Benefit from sexual services provided by a person under the age of 18yrs
• Material Benefit
• Breach of Probation x2
• Fail to comply with Undertaking

Geddes is being held in custody and will be appearing in show cause court today.

“Our Human Trafficking investigative team worked in close collaboration with the Morality Unit of the Windsor Police Service to address the transient nature of these offences and those involved who attempt to avoid detection and arrests,” Sgt. Damien Laflamme, with the Ottawa Police Human Trafficking Unit, said. “Police agencies including local, provincial and national stakeholders continue to collaborate on criminal investigations to swiftly identify, locate and arrests predators. Our work also involves supporting survivors and providing best safety planning and exit strategies, recognizing that victims are forced into the sex trade through violence, manipulation, coercion and trickery. We continue to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.”

The Human Trafficking Unit believes there are further victims who have yet to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Ottawa Police Human Trafficking Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5005 or 1-800-292-1168. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or by downloading the Ottawa Police app.