Calgary man charged in alleged human trafficking scheme

A Calgary man has been charged with human trafficking-related offences and authorities are concerned he may have been attempting to recruit additional women.

The Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) said Thursday it alleges 35-year-old Justin Palmer sexually exploited and trafficked a 19-year-old for at least a year, dating back to August 2021.

Palmer was arrested in northeast Calgary on June 26 and has been charged with trafficking in a persons; materials benefit from trafficking; withholding documents; advertising sexual services, and assault causing bodily harm.

The alleged trafficking offences took place in Alberta and Ontario and included grooming the victim, directing her movements, and advertising her sexual services, according to ALERT.

The teen was also assaulted multiple times, the agency says, including an instance in which she was trying to leave the sex trade.

ALERT’s investigation, which started in July 2022, revealed that the victim was recruited and groomed via social media.

Investigators believe the accused had been “aggressively attempting” to recruit other women.

“Our primary concern is ensuring no other women were victimized, and providing supports to those that may have been. This suspect was very violent in order to facilitate his own financial gain,” said S/Sgt. Colleen Bowers with ALERT.

Palmer was released from custody with several conditions, including not having any contact with the victim or accessing the Internet.

He is due back in court on July 11.

ALERT encourages anyone who believes they are a victim of sexual assault or abuse to report it to police. Victims of sexual assault can report it to the Calgary Police Service by calling 403-266-1234, or 9-1-1 if they are in immediate danger.

There is no time limit on how long a victim has to report a sexual assault in Canada.