

Chris Herhalt, CP24.com





Toronto police say they have charged a 17-year-old girl after a 16-year-old girl was forced into the sex trade last year.

Investigators allege the suspect recruited a 16-year-old student of St. Joseph’s College School near Queen’s Park. She allegedly introduced the victim to two men, who told her she could make a lot of money working for them.

The accused is a former student of St. Joseph’s College School.

Police allege the victim was “controlled through intimidation and threats,” and forced to work in the sex trade.

The 17-year-old suspect allegedly took photos of the victim in various states of undress and posted them on backpage.com.

The victim was taken to various Toronto-area hotels and forced to have sex with clients.

Police allege the men sexually assaulted the girl and forced her to turn over all of the money she earned.

On May 6, the 17-year-old suspect was arrested by members of the Human Trafficking Enforcement Team.

She faces charges including procuring a person under the age of 18, making child pornography and advertising another person’s sexual services.

She cannot be identified per the terms of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Two male suspects were charged in connection with the case on April 21, 2016.

Henry Borrego-Salinas, 25, and Justin Ferguson, 26, both of Toronto, are each charged with seven offences including trafficking in persons under 18, procuring and exercising control and sexual assault on a person under 18.

Toronto Catholic District School Board spokesperson John Yan said the board is cooperating fully in the investigation and offering support services to students at the school if they need it.

The letter sent home to parents asks everyone in the school community to “refrain from engaging in rumour and speculation,” due to the nature of the allegations.

Investigators say there may be other victims who have not yet come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7474 or Crime Stoppers at 416-222-8477 (TIPS).