15-Year-Old Girl Rescued From Prostitution Ring
Posted May 24, 2009 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Police have rescued a 15-year-old girl from the clutches of a man they say was running a prostitution ring.
York Regional officers found the teen in a Toronto condo on Friday. She was immediately taken away from the 40-year-old accused and placed in protective care.
Officers allege that she was forced to work out of that apartment.
On Saturday, the Drugs and Vice Unit continued their investigation at two other condos: One was located at 1001 Bay St. and the other at 1200 York Mills Rd. Investigators believe that the victim was also being held at these locations prior to her rescue.
What they found was $16,000 in cash, and evidence that led to charges of running a common bawdy house.
They also allegedly discovered online and newspaper advertisements looking for women, and suggesting sexual services in exchange for money.
Renan Gazzali Esahak, 40, who also goes by the names of “Ray” and “Kelsey,” has been charged with:
- Sexual Interference
- Invitation to Sexual Touching
- Procuring Person to Have Illicit Intercourse with Another Person
- Procuring Person to Leave Usual Place of Abode
- Living on the Avails of Prostitution
- Keep a Common Bawdy House
- Knowingly Conceal a Person at a Common Bawdy House
- Exercising Control, Direction or Influence
- Householder Permitting Sexual Activity
- Transporting Person to a Common Bawdy House.
Police believe there are more victims. If you can help, call the Drugs and Vice Unit 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7817. You can also call Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous 1-800-222-TIPS.
