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Ottawa police have arrested a man in connection with a human trafficking operation and a number of recent robberies.

Police said in a news release on Tuesday they began an investigation in February after interviewing an underaged girl who claimed to be a victim of human trafficking and said there might be other victims.

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The investigation led police to a man who was also wanted in a string of robberies along Rideau Street in recent months.

On Friday, police arrested the man and three minors who were with him.

Charged with sexual assault, sexual touching, extortion, criminal harassment, uttering threats and robbery, among other charges, is John Makenson Bastien, 27, of Ottawa.

A 15-year-old Ottawa girl is also charged with trafficking in persons, theft under $5,000, assault causing bodily harm and robbery. A 15-year-old boy faces charges including robbery and theft under $5,000, and a 16-year-old girl was charged with assault causing bodily harm. Under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, none of their names can be released.