N.S. man arrested on Alberta human trafficking charges

A Nova Scotia man faces human trafficking charges in Alberta following an investigation by specialized police units in both provinces.

William Meuse, 31, was arrested last week in Bear River, Digby County, the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams said in a news release Tuesday.

ALERT was set up by the Alberta government in 2006. The agency consists of more than 300 municipal police and RCMP officers working together to combat organized and serious crime.

Meuse is accused of forcing a Nova Scotia woman to work in the sex trade in the Edmonton area in November and December 2019.

The investigation began in June 2020 after the woman contacted Nova Scotia RCMP and the provincial human trafficking unit, which is made up of Mounties and Halifax Regional Police officers.

The Nova Scotia investigators collaborated with ALERT'S human trafficking and exploitation unit.

Meuse was apprehended April 6 and transported to Edmonton to face charges of human trafficking, receiving material benefit from trafficking, procuring someone to provide sexual services, advertising sexual services and distributing intimate images.

The victim has been offered support and specialized care, the news release said.

“This investigation highlights inter-agency cooperation across Canada and the ability of investigators to complete these types of investigations, no matter where the crime occurs,” Sgt. Derrick Blanche of the Nova Scotia human trafficking unit said in the release.

“Our investigators are dedicated to working with survivors and supporting them throughout the investigative process.”

Chris Hayes, an acting staff sergeant with ALERT, said human trafficking is a dehumanizing offence.

“It took tremendous courage for the victim to come forward,” Hayes said. “We owe it to her to pursue justice, and, as this case demonstrates, we are prepared to go to great lengths to do so.”

Anyone who believes they were trafficked, knows someone who has been trafficked or has information about this investigation should contact the Nova Scotia human trafficking unit at 902-449-2425 or local police. They can also call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-9001010 or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers.