Police charge male with human trafficking offences
Lethbridge Police have charged a 42-year-old male with multiple human trafficking-related offences following a short-term investigation by members of the Sex Crimes Unit.
On Sept. 29, police received a report of suspected human trafficking and initiated an investigation. Investigators determined an adult female was being trafficked in Lethbridge and further evidence that showed she had been trafficked in various locations across Canada dating back to 2018.
On Oct. 1, police arrested a male suspect without incident. At the time of his arrest, he was found to be in violation of court-ordered release conditions stemming from previous human trafficking charges.
Cody James Barnes, 42, of no fixed address, is charged with trafficking in persons, receiving a material benefit from human trafficking, procuring sexual services, advertising sexual services and three counts of failing to comply with a release order.
Following a Judicial Interim Release hearing Barnes was remanded in custody and is scheduled to next appear in court October 28.
The victim has been connected with support resources.
For 24/7, confidential assistance, individuals who are being trafficked, know someone who is or is a trafficking survivor, can contact the Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking toll-free at 1-833-900-1010 or access online chat by clicking ‘get help.’
