A 21-year-old Toronto man is facing a variety of charges including procuring and advertising sexual services after he was arrested last Thursday in Newmarket.
South Simcoe Police began an investigation after they believed a man had been actively involved in facilitating the sex trade business. Officers from the Criminal Investigation Bureau and York Regional Police were able to locate and arrest the man on Thursday morning. He was transported to the South Division and was held for bail on Friday, Jan. 19.
Investigators are concerned that young women may have been actively recruited for the sex trade business.
"Because there is the possibility of other victims, we took the unprecedented step of releasing his name and picture, which we hardly ever do. We are concerned that there could be other potential victims out there," said South Simcoe Police Staff Sgt. Steve Wilson, head of the Criminal Investigation Bureau.
"Either as a victim or a witness, please contact us," said Wilson, noting it could result in further charges.
Wilson added, "The initial contact was made through social media. It's so important not to accept direct messages or friend requests from people you don't know, whether it's through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram."
During their investigation, officers were able to connect the accused with a Suspect Apprehension Pursuit that occurred in Innisfil in December. In that case, the accused failed to stop when police tried to pull him over for a traffic violation. A short pursuit occurred, but was called off for reasons of public safety.
Arrested was 21-year-old Moses Gregory of Toronto. He is facing the following charges:
- Possession of a Controlled Substance (cocaine);
- Possession of a Controlled Substance (heroin);
- Two counts of Breach of Probation;
- Three counts of Breach of Recognizance;
- Advertising Sexual Services;
- Procuring Sexual Services;
- Flight from Police.
Gregory has been ordered in custody and will next appear in Barrie Court on Feb. 2nd, 2018. Gregory is also wanted by the Toronto Police Service on domestic assault related occurrences and will be turned over to them when he is released on the South Simcoe charges. Gregory is also being investigated for his possible involvement in another Suspect Apprehension Pursuit which occurred in Barrie.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the investigating officer, Detective Constable Holly Murray at (905) 775-3311 or (705) 436-2141, extension 1009 or Crime Stoppers.
