J. Lopez

The accused was charged with multiple offences including human trafficking, procuring, withholding travel documents, and fraud, relating to his involvement with an 18-year-old complainant in the sex trade.

The Crown alleged the accused exercised coercive influence over the complainant's movements, took her earnings under the guise of a fraudulent condo investment scheme, and withheld her identification documents to maintain control.

The court rejected the accused's evidence as implausible and accepted the complainant's testimony.

The court found that the accused preyed on the complainant's vulnerabilities and exploited her for financial gain.

The accused was found guilty on all counts.

The offender pled guilty to importing approximately 2 kilograms of cocaine into Canada.

The Crown sought a sentence of six years, while the defence sought a sentence in the upper reformatory range based on the offender's Aboriginal status.

The court considered the offender's Gladue report, which detailed a history of intergenerational trauma, substance abuse, and mental health issues stemming from his great-grandfather's removal from his Aboriginal family.

Applying Gladue principles, the court found the offender's moral culpability was significantly reduced and sentenced him to 3 years imprisonment.