Cochrane RCMP lay charges in human trafficking investigation

Alberta RCMP say charges have been laid in connection with a human trafficking investigation.

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In early February, Cochrane RCMP launched an investigation into potential sex trafficking in the early 2000s.

"The complainant who came forward reported that she had been the victim of human and sex trafficking at the hands of a male she had met over an online dating site," said Sgt. Matt Pumphrey of the Cochrane RCMP.

After a brief consensual relationship, the victim told police the man began to traffic her.

Pumphrey said between 2004 and 2007, the male arranged meetings between the victim and other males, drove her to the locations, collected money and took her to other appointments.

The meetings took place throughout Cochrane and the Calgary area, he said.

Over the nine-month investigation, police discovered as many as four more adult victims who corroborated the evidence presented by the initial victim.

On Nov. 7, 47-year-old Darren Routhier, of Cochrane was arrested and charged with human trafficking, receiving benefits from the trafficking of a person, sexual assault causing bodily harm, unlawful confinement and extortion.

He was released on conditions to have no contact with the victims connected to the investigation as well as other provisions.

"As we have seen with this investigation, human trafficking isn't something that is happening elsewhere," Pumphrey said.

"It can and is happening around us."

Pumphrey said police are encouraging anyone to come forward with allegations of human trafficking "regardless of when they occurred."

"The Canadian government enacted criminal laws in 2005 prohibiting human trafficking, which included labour and sex trafficking. If you believe you have been the victim of, or you know someone who may have been the victim of human trafficking, I implore you to contact your local police,” he said.

"The courage of the victims in this investigation to come forward is remarkable."

Routhier's next court appearance is in Cochrane on Nov. 26.

Alberta push to curb trafficking

Country music star Paul Brandt has been at the forefront of the province’s efforts to slow trafficking.

He’s currently the co-chair of The Alberta Centre to End Trafficking in Persons and runs “Not in My City,” to raise awareness and prevent sexual exploitation.

Brandt told reporters Wednesday these newly unearthed crimes hit close to home, as he lives in the Cochrane community.

“There is an awakening happening in Alberta right now,” he said. “People are starting to realize across the country that this issue of human trafficking is far more prevalent than data shows.”

He estimates the crime nationwide is annually a $180 billion industry.

“And there are a number of survivors I’ve spoken with who have detailed that even people who are actively being trafficked often don’t recognize the signs,” Brandt said.

“In essence, it’s forced fraud and coercion facilitated by a third-party. It’s something that someone does to someone and makes a profit from them.”

To learn more about his work, visit NotInMyCity.ca.