Calgary man charged in human trafficking investigation involving 15-year-old girl
A 21-year-old Calgary man is facing several charges related to human trafficking after he allegedly sexually exploited a 15-year-old girl.
The Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) alleges that Benjamin Loewen targeted vulnerable teens girls in Calgary.
"We believe the accused was … Forcing them into sexual situations, directing their movements, advertising sexual services and taking their money," said Cpl. Wayne Williams in a Tuesday news release.
The investigation by ALERT identified a single 15-year-old victim, but officers are looking to speak with other people who may have information about the accused.
"It is our understanding that this has been occurring for the past year and we have reason to believe that he may have exploited others," Williams said.
The victim is receiving support from ALERT's safety network coordinator, who provides supports to survivors of sexual abuse.
Loewen is charged with the following:
- Sexual interference;
- Material benefit from sexual services of a person under 18;
- Drug trafficking;
- Making child pornography;
- Distribution of child pornography; and
- Extortion by threats.
He has been released from custody pending his next court appearance, which is scheduled for June 16.
ALERT is working with the Calgary Police Service’s child abuse unit on the investigation, which began in March 2023.
Victims of sexual assault can report it to the Calgary Police Service by calling 403-266-1234, or 911 if they are in immediate danger.
"We want to reassure other survivors that it is safe to come forward and that their information is valuable," Williams said.
In Canada, there is no time limit on how long a victim has to report a sexual assault.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.
Saskatoon police to search landfill for remains of woman missing since 2020
Saskatoon police say they will begin searching the city’s landfill for the remains of Mackenzie Lee Trottier, who has been missing for more than three years.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.