Calgary human trafficking investigation leads to more charges: ALERT

Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) says a Calgary man is facing more charges in connection to a human trafficking investigation.

The agency says in May of this year, investigators learned of a man targeting teen girls in the Calgary area and sexually exploiting them.

At that time, one 15-year-old victim was identified.

Benjamin Loewen, 21, faces 12 new charges, including sexual assault, sexual interference, two counts of material benefit from sexual services of a person under 18, two counts of procuring a person under 18, two counts of making child pornography, two counts of distribution of child pornography, advertisement of sexual services, and extortion by threats.

“We’ve continued with our investigation and believe that he was actively exploiting these teens, and other girls as well. We’re releasing his photo now in hopes to encourage other survivors to come forward and share any information they have with police,” said Staff Sgt. Colleen Bowers with ALERT Human Trafficking in a press release.

ALERT says all victims receive access to necessary support and resources and a safety network co-ordinator works with the agency to provide enhanced support to survivors.

“It’s important that his victims know about Bill C-36. The Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act makes it illegal for a third party to benefit from a person who is working in the sex trade, or is being sexually exploited,” Bowers added.

Loewen is on house arrest with various conditions until his next court date on Aug. 28, according to ALERT.

Anyone with information about this investigation is encouraged to call the Calgary Police Service or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers.

ALERT encourages anyone who believes they are a victim of sexual assault or abuse to report it to police.

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