The accused, K.G.A. and A.S.A., were charged with human trafficking, receiving a material benefit from human trafficking, advertising sexual services, and K.G.A. was also charged with criminal harassment.
The charges stemmed from allegations by P.J., who claimed she was exploited in the sex trade in Ottawa.
The court conducted a thorough assessment of P.J.'s credibility and reliability, finding significant inconsistencies, memory issues due to intoxication and drug use, and evasiveness in her testimony.
The court concluded that it would be dangerous to convict the accused based on P.J.'s evidence.
Consequently, the Crown failed to prove the conduct or purpose elements for human trafficking, the material benefit, or the advertising charges beyond a reasonable doubt.
For criminal harassment, the alleged words were not found to be threatening or intimidating to a reasonable person in the circumstances.
All charges against K.G.A. and A.S.A. were dismissed, and acquittals were entered.