Posters of suspect plastered around downtown Hamilton

HAMILTON — Peel Regional Police are hunting for a man wanted for human trafficking whose image has been plastered around downtown Hamilton in homemade wanted posters.

A Canada-wide warrant has been issued for Robert Wheaton on charges that relate to one victim between 2016 and early 2017, Peel police spokesperson Const. Bancroft Wright said Friday.

In a news release, Peel police said Wheaton, 45, and his alleged victim had known each other since March 2015. “During their relationship, the accused became controlling, forcing the victim to become involved in the sex trade industry.”

Police also alleged Wheaton “profited from the victim’s acts as he exercised control over all aspects of her life.”

The charges he faces include two counts of procuring, one count of advertising sexual services, one count of trafficking in persons, receiving benefits resulting from trafficking in persons and forcible confinement.

Hundreds of wanted posters have been put up around Hamilton’s downtown since Sunday, a move his alleged victim and her husband say they hope will lead to his arrest.

They say Wheaton has connections in the Hamilton area. Police say he’s believed to still be somewhere in the GTA.

Wheaton is avoiding police, Wright said.

Wheaton is described as white with a light complexion and brown hair. He’s about six feet tall and weighs about 210 pounds.

Anyone who sees Wheaton is advised not to approach, but asked to call Peel’s major drugs and vice unit at 905-453-2121, ext. 3555 or 3515. Tips can be offered anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.