Ontario woman beaten, choked and held as slave

NEWMARKET, Ontario – A 19-year-old woman told police a horrific story of being kept as a slave, beaten,  choked and forced to perform as an exotic dancer.

York Regional Police say they have now charged a 24-year-old Mississauga man in connection with human trafficking and forcible confinement of the woman who finally managed to flee.

“The York Regional Police Drugs and Vice Unit have charged a 24-year-old Mississauga man in connection with the human trafficking and forcible confinement of a 19-year-old female victim,” said police spokeswoman Const. Marina Orlovski.

“Between late August and September, 2009, the accused befriended and courted the victim,” the policewoman said.

“During this relationship she was persuaded to enter into the field of exotic dancing and live in his Mississauga apartment. She was forced to live under strict rules and she was only allowed to leave the apartment for work purposes,” said Orlovski.

“She was forced to hand over her money and was the victim of physical violence if she tried to flee,” she said.

“In late September the victim managed to escape the accused. She contacted York Regional Police who began an investigation,” Orlovski said.

Police said they arrested Marlo Williams on Thursday and have charged with multiple counts.

Williams faces charges of trafficking in persons, forcible confinement, kidnapping, assault, choking, theft, resisting arrest, possession of drugs and breach of an order.

He is held in custody and will return to court on Oct. 23.

Copyright 2009, Vancouverite News Service. Use this article on your blog or website for just $5. News organizations pay $25. To reproduce or distribute, click: http://vancouverite.icopyright.com

No related articles.