Three new victims have been identified in a Human Trafficking Case the Lethbridge Police Service has been assisting the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team with.
According to ALERT, the victims are between 16 and 18 years old. In addition to the charges laid against him in May, 21-year-old Benjamin Loewen is facing a dozen additional charges connected to the investigation, including sexual assault, making child and distribution of child pornography, and advertisement of sexual services.
Staff Sargent Colleen Bowers with ALERT Human Trafficking says the unit is releasing the accused photo, hoping other survivors will come forward and share information with police.
“We’ve continued with our investigation and believe that he was actively exploiting these teens and other girls as well,” Bowers says. “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.”
According to officials, a Safety Network Coordinator is working with ALERT to ensure the victims receive the support and resources they need.
In May, Loewen was charged in connection to a 15-year-old victim who was identified. He is currently on house arrest with various conditions and is scheduled to appear in court on August 28th.
Anyone with information about the investigation is asked to call the Calgary Police Service or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
